Biology
Bachelor of Science

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The scientific study of life, from single cells to complex ecosystems—dynamic, diverse, and endlessly mysterious.

Program Overview

Biologists use scientific tools and techniques to discover the nature of life itself, investigating the complex genetic basis and evolution of animals, plants, bacteria, and all living things. This degree program is an ideal springboard for a career in scientific research or medicine.

 

» Why LTU?
  • Prepare for the biotechnological revolution by solving real-world problems in a technologically-focused environment with small class sizes!
  • Engage in course-based research experiences to learn about cutting-edge biology research in interdisciplinary fields such as personalized medicine and toxicology.
  • Build your resume by working on societally-relevant projects with guidance from a faculty mentor through our Quest co-curricular experimental learning program and hands-on senior project sequence.
  • Explore a variety of exciting career paths in industry or choose graduate school or health-related professional programs such as physician assistant studies, medical school, pharmacy, and dentistry with expert advice from experienced faculty and our pre-health professions advisor.

Contact

Department of Natural Sciences

nschair@ltu.edu

biology

Curriculum

» Curriculum Documents

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Biology 1

Must have one high school science course. The basic structure, chemistry and energetics of a cell. Mechanisms of inheritance, gene structure and function, and Mendelian genetics, Origin and history of life, mechanisms evolution, and introduction to systematics. Lecture 3 hrs, Lab 3 hrs.

BIO1213

3

Biology 1 Lab

Course not found.

BIO1221

1

Introduction to Science

Introduction to scientific thinking with emphasis on collaboration, community, and scientific communication. Hands-on experiments and laboratory safety. Exploration of institutional resources and active areas of scientific research at LTU.

PSC1161

1

College Composition

College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.

COM1103

3

University Chemistry 1

May need 1 year high school chemistry and chemistry placement or math placement. Laws and concepts of chemistry and their application to chemical systems. The liquid and solid states, phase changes and phase diagrams, topics in the chemistry of materials, oxidation-reduction chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics and gas-phase equilibrium. Lect. 3 hrs., Workshop 1 hr., 3 hours credit. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 1074, MCS 1414, MCS 1424.

CHM1213

3

University Chemistry 1 Lab

University Chem 1 Lab – Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1213. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1213.

CHM1221

1

Calculus 1

Topics include, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, mean value theorem, applications of differentiation, anti-derivatives, indefinite integrals, inverse trigonometric functions, substitutions, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, applications of integration. Applications will be emphasized. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.

MCS1414

4

-OR-

Survey of Calculus

Must have placement. Limits and continuity, differentiation, curve sketching, applications of differentiation, integration, methods and applications of integration, multivariable calculus. No credit after completion of MCS1414. Lecture: 4 hrs

MCS1224

Total Credits:

16

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Biology 2

Must have one high school science course. The biology, structure, physiology, development and reproduction of plants. Animals anatomy and physiology including nervous system, gas exchange, excretion, the circulatory system, and reproduction. An introduction to animal behavior and the impact of pollution. Survey of ecology, biogeography, and population biology, conservation biology. Lecture 3 hrs.

BIO1223

3

Biology 2 Lab

Course not found.

BIO1231

1

University Chemistry 2

Modern concepts of molecular-orbital theory and spectroscope methods. The solution state and colligative properties of solutions, and solution-phase equilibrium theory applied to solubility, chemical kinetics, acids and bases, and complex formation. Descriptive chemistry of the main-group and transition elements. Lecture 3 hrs.

CHM1223

3

University Chemistry 2 Lab

Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1223. Lab 3 hrs. 1 hour credit. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1223.

CHM1231

1

Engaging Ancient Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1213

3

Statistics

This course covers descriptive statistics, probability, and probability distributions with an emphasis on statistical inference such as confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, chi-square tests, t-and F-distributions, and selected nonparametric tests.

MCS2124

4

Total Credits:

15

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Organic Chemistry 1

Fundamental concepts and definitions embodying a mechanistic approach to the reactions of aliphatic and aromatic compounds. Lect. 3 hrs., Workshop 1 hr, 3 hours credit.

CHM2313

3

Organic Chemistry 1 Lab

Course not found.

CHM2311

1

College Physics 1

Algebra based kinematics and dynamics of particles, work, energy, bodies in equilibrium, rotational motion, thermal energy and thermodynamics.
3 Credit Hours. Lect. 3 hrs.

PHY2213

3

College Physics 1 Lab

Introductory laboratory covering experiments to complement College Physics 1. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 2213.

PHY2221

1

Engaging Modern Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1223

3

SSC Elective

SSC2XX3

3

General Elective

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

17

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Microbiology

Function and structure of micro-organisms including bacteria, algae, protozoa and viruses, including how they interact with their environment including higher organizations; ecology or micro-organisms; their beneficial and harmful effects. Lecture 3 hrs.

BIO2313

3

Microbiology Lab

Course not found.

BIO2321

1

Organic Chemistry 2

Mechanisms with emphasis on functional groups, spectroscopic methods and structural proofs; selected topics with special emphasis on instrumental approaches to organic problems, organic compounds of biochemical significance. Lect. 3 hrs. Workshop 1 hr. 3 hours credit

CHM2323

3

Organic Chemistry 2 Lab

Course not found.

CHM2321

1

College Physics 2

“Algebra based simple harmonic motion, waves and sound, geometric optics, electric charge, current, DC Circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction. 3 Credit Hours. Lecture 3 hrs.

PHY2223

3

College Physics 2 Lab

Introductory lab covering experiments compatible with College Physics 2. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 2223.

PHY2231

1

LLT Elective

LLT2XX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Anatomy and Physiology A

The fundamental structure and function of the human body for students preparing for professions in the biomedical sciences. The basic structure and function of the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous and Cardiovascular systems will be examined. BIO3203 can be taken prior to or after BIO3303.

BIO3203

3

Anatomy and Physiology A Lab

Physiological experimentation of the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous and Cardiovascular systems. Anatomical dissections and histology will also be included.

BIO3201

1

Biochemistry

Chemistry of biologically important molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Bioenergetics, the genetic code, and enzyme catalysis. Lect. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit

CHM3403

3

Biochemistry Lab

Course not found.

CHM3411

1

Molecular Genetics

Advanced Mendelian Genetics, Linkage Analysis, Chi-Square goodness of fit testing, basic genetic materials and their function, the molecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) which govern how genes influence traits and heredity and their physical organization into chromosomes, genetic recombination, mutations and their repair, biotechnology and genomics as they relate to genetics.

BIO3323

3

General Elective

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

14

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Anatomy and Physiology B

The fundamental structure and function of the human body for students preparing for professions in the biomedical sciences. The basic structure and function of the Respiratory, Endocrine, Urinary, Digestive, Immune and Reproductive systems will be examined. BIO3303 can be taken prior to or after BIO3203.

BIO3303

3

Anatomy and Physiology B Lab

Physiological experimentation of the Respiratory, Endocrine, Lymphatic and Immune, Urinary, Digestive and Reproductive systems. Anatomical dissections and histology will also be included.

BIO3301

1

Technical Elective
BIO/CHM

XXX3

3

Technical and Prof. Communication

Course not found.

COM2103

3

Leadership in Scientific Research

Course not found.

PSC3002

2

General Elective

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Evolution

Evidence for mechanisms of evolution at the molecular, organismal and population level. Lecture 3 hrs.

BIO4103

3

Seminar in Biological Literature

Course not found.

BIO4212

2

Senior Project 1

Course not found.

BIO4912

2

Jr./Sr. Technical Elective
BIO/CHM

3/4XX3

3

Jr./Sr. Elective
LLT

3/4XX3

3

Jr./Sr. General Elective

3/4XX3

3

Total Credits:

16

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Ecology

A study of the complex interrelationship between organisms and their environment. The course will include discussions on findamental themes in ecology such as food webs and population growth, as well as topics of current interest such as oil spills and the destruction of the rain forest. Lecture 3 hrs.

BIO3613

3

Cell Biology

The structure and function of the cell and its subcellular organelles is studied. Biological macromolecules, enzymes, biomembranes, membrane transport, bioenergetics, signal transduction, protein synthesis and secretion, compartmentalization, vesicular transport, cytoskeleton, motility, cell cycle control and cancer are covered.

BIO4813

3

Cell Biology Lab

Course not found.

BIO4812

2

Senior Project 2

Course not found.

BIO4922

2

Jr./Sr. Technical Elective
BIO/CHM

3/4XX3

3

Jr./Sr. Technical Elective
SSC/PSY

3/4XX3

3

Total Credits:

16

» Expand Your Curriculum

Biology – Concentration in Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Biomedical scientists investigate the molecular and cellular foundations of health and disease, driving innovation in medical and scientific research.
Biology + Physician Assistant Studies
3 + 2 Accelerated Bachelor + Master of Science
An undergraduate degree in biology provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to pursue Physician Assistant (PA) studies.
Biology
Minor
The wide-ranging scientific study of living organisms, from single cells to complex ecosystems.
Arts and Sciences News

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Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
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