Biology Major (M)

The goal of the Department of Life & Earth Sciences at Concordia University Wisconsin is to develop competent scientists with a Christian worldview. The graduates of its programs will possess the current scientific knowledge and research/data interpretation skills so necessary for entering scientific or medical careers in industry, academia, or government. More importantly, they will be prepared to provide a Christian influence and ethical perspective to the debate on the science-related problems facing the world today.

The Biology major provides a traditional background for students interested in careers in the biological sciences whether it be in industry, government, or academia.  This major includes a broader focus (including more plants and animals) than the Biomedical Sciences Major, but still provides the foundational knowledge for most post-doctoral programs in a medical field.  Accordingly, this major is commonly selected by students interested in pre-health professional education. 

The broad perspective of the Biology major provides an opportunity for students to identify and focus on areas of biology that are of specific interest to them.  Opportunities at the Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship (CCES) and to do research with science faculty are readily available

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod affirms that all of Scripture, including the creation account in Genesis, is the word of God, true, and authoritative for faith and life. Current conventional scientific theories that conflict with the account in Genesis might be studied in portions of this course. In no way should this be seen as endorsement of a non-authoritative view of Scripture by the course instructor or by Concordia University.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to explain major biological and related scientific concepts (Knowledge Base of Biology and Related Sciences);
  • Demonstrate the ability to appropriately collect and analyze data while utilizing laboratory equipment and procedures safely and effectively (Biological Procedures and Data)
  • Develop investigative and critical thinking skills to explore complex questions and solve challenging scientific problems (Scientific Inquiry);
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information effectively to both scientists and non-scientists (Scientific Communication);
  • Recognize how vocations in science provide opportunities for service to Christ and others and necessitate ethical behavior in all aspects of science (Vocation and Ethics)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how/why a Christian sees evidence of God’s design in nature and how to be good stewards of His creation (God’s Design and Stewardship).

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements56
Electives19
Minor: Optional
Total Hours120
Required Core Courses
General Chemistry I (Natural World: Science with a Lab)
Public Speaking (Recommended) (Communication)
Interpersonal Communication
Statistics I (Natural World: Mathematics)
Select one of the following (Human Beings and Being Human):
Environmental Ethics
Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society
Cosmogony
Recommended Core Courses
General Psychology
Environmental Law & Politics
Ecology of the Tropics (Culture designation)
Required Major Courses
BIO 1401General Biology I4
or BIO 1501 Functional Human Biology I
BIO 1402General Biology II4
or BIO 1502 Functional Human Biology II
BIO 2400Botany4
BIO 2500Zoology4
BIO 2600Biology of Microorganisms4
BIO 3400Genetics4
BIO 4900Biology Senior Seminar (1 credit course taken twice)2
General Chemistry I (taken in core)
CHEM 1424General Chemistry II4
CHEM 2414Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 2424Organic Chemistry II4
PHYS 1514General Physics I4
or PHYS 1714 University Physics I
PHYS 1524General Physics II4
or PHYS 1724 University Physics II
Major Electives
Choose a minimum of 10 credits of the following: 110
BIO 1801Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIO 1802Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIO 2800Pathophysiology3
BIO 3200Cell Biology4
BIO 3500Immunology3
BIO 3760Ecology of the Tropics (Culture designation)3
BIO 3761Ecology of the Tropics Lab1
BIO 3800Histology3
BIO 3990Biology Internship 21-4
BIO 4100Ecology4
BIO 4200Molecular Biology4
BIO 4300Pharmacology3
BIO 4800Human Physiology4
BIO 4990Undergraduate Research 21-4
CHEM 3214Biochemistry4
CHEM 4224Advanced Biochemistry4
ENV 1300Introduction to Sustainability3
ENV 1400Introductory GIS4
ENV 1800Environmental Science4
ENV 2200Water Quality and Aquaponics4
ENV 2400Native Plants of Wisconsin4
ENV 3200Environmental Data Analysis3
ENV 4990Advanced Applied Field Research 21-4
RSC 3020Advanced Anatomy4
SCI 2400Cosmogony (if not taken in the core)3
Total Hours56
1

With approval from the Life and Earth Sciences Department on an individual basis, a student may use a 4-credit upper-level chemistry course in place of one of the courses listed here.

2

No more than 4 credits of BIO 3990, BIO 4990, and/or ENV 4990 may count towards major requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
BIO 1501 Functional Human Biology I 4
CHEM 1414 General Chemistry I 4
CCE 1010 Christian Citizen 3
ENG 1040 Introduction to Writing 3
HHP 1100 Stewardship of the Body 1
 Hours15
Semester 2
BIO 1502 Functional Human Biology II 4
CHEM 1424 General Chemistry II 4
CCE 1040 Science & Humanity 3
MATH 2050 Statistics I 3
REL 1000 The Bible 3
 Hours17
Semester 3
BIO 2400 Botany 4
CHEM 2414 Organic Chemistry I 4
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
COMM 1100
Public Speaking
or American Cinema
3
ELECTIVE OR MINOR 3
 Hours17
Semester 4
CHEM 2424 Organic Chemistry II 4
BIO 2500 Zoology 4
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
REL 1100 Christian Faith 3
ELECTIVE OR MINOR 3
 Hours17
Semester 5
BIO 2600 Biology of Microorganisms 4
PHYS 1514
General Physics I
or University Physics I
4
CORE 3
ELECTIVE OR MINOR 3
 Hours14
Semester 6
BIO 3400 Genetics 4
CORE 3
PHYS 1524
General Physics II
or University Physics II
4
MAJOR ELECTIVE 3
HHP 1
 Hours15
Semester 7
MAJOR ELECTIVE 4
BIO 4900 Biology Senior Seminar 1
REL 3
ELECTIVE OR MINOR 3
ELECTIVE OR MINOR 3
 Hours14
Semester 8
MAJOR ELECTIVE 3
BIO 4900 Biology Senior Seminar 1
PHIL 3500 Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society 3
ELECTIVE OR MINOR 3
ELECTIVE OR MINOR 3
 Hours13
 Total Hours122

Course options and schedule are subject to change.