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 (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
Required Major Courses
BIO 141General Biology I4
or BIO 151 Functional Human Biology I
BIO 142General Biology II4
or BIO 152 Functional Human Biology II
BIO 240Zoology4
BIO 244Botany4
BIO 260Biology of Microorganisms4
BIO 348Genetics4
BIO 490Biology Senior Seminar (1 credit course taken twice)2
General Chemistry I (taken in core)
CHEM 142General Chemistry II4
CHEM 241Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 242Organic Chemistry II4
PHYS 151General Physics I4
or PHYS 171 University Physics I
PHYS 152General Physics II4
or PHYS 172 University Physics II
Major Electives
Choose a minimum of 10 credits of the following: 110
BIO 156Environmental Science4
BIO 191Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIO 192Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIO 285Pathophysiology3
BIO 321Cell Biology4
BIO 351Immunology3
BIO 367Ecology of the Tropics3
BIO 368Ecology of the Tropics-Lab1
BIO 381Histology3
BIO 399Biology Internship 21-4
BIO 410Ecology4
BIO 420Molecular Biology4
BIO 430Pharmacology3
BIO 470Human Physiology4
BIO 499Undergraduate Research 21-4
CHEM 425Biochemistry4
CHEM 426Advanced Biochemistry4
ENV 130Introduction to Sustainability3
ENV 160Introductory GIS4
ENV 220Water Quality and Aquaponics4
ENV 240Native Plants of Wisconsin4
ENV 320Environmental Data Analysis3
ENV 499Advanced Applied Field Research 21-3
RSC 302Advanced Anatomy4
SCI 275Cosmogony (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 399, BIO 499, and/or ENV 499 may count towards major requirements.