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
The Student 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | 45 | |
| Major Requirements | 56 | |
| Electives | 19 | |
Minor: Optional | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
For transfer students, please see the Advanced Transfer Core.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| General Chemistry I (Natural World: Science with a Lab) | ||
| Public Speaking (Communication) | ||
or COMM 201 | Interpersonal Communication | |
| Statistics I (Natural World: Mathematics) | ||
| Select one of the following (Human Beings and Being Human): | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Bioethical Dilemmas | ||
| Cosmogony | ||
| Recommended Courses | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Environmental Law & Politics | ||
| Ecology of the Tropics | ||
| Required Major Courses | ||
| BIO 141 | General Biology I | 4 |
| or BIO 151 | Functional Human Biology I | |
| BIO 142 | General Biology II | 4 |
| or BIO 152 | Functional Human Biology II | |
| BIO 240 | Zoology | 4 |
| BIO 244 | Botany | 4 |
| BIO 260 | Biology of Microorganisms | 4 |
| BIO 348 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 490 | Biology Senior Seminar (1 credit course taken twice) | 2 |
| General Chemistry I (taken in core) | ||
| CHEM 142 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 241 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 242 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| PHYS 151 | General Physics I | 4 |
| or PHYS 171 | University Physics I | |
| PHYS 152 | General Physics II | 4 |
| or PHYS 172 | University Physics II | |
| Major Electives | ||
| Choose a minimum of 10 credits of the following: 2 | 10 | |
| BIO 156 | Environmental Science | 4 |
| BIO 191 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO 192 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 285 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| BIO 321 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 351 | Immunology | 3 |
| BIO 367 | Ecology of the Tropics | 3 |
| BIO 368 | Ecology of the Tropics-Lab | 1 |
| BIO 381 | Histology | 3 |
| BIO 399 | Biology Internship 3 | 1-4 |
| BIO 410 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIO 420 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIO 430 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| BIO 470 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 499 | Undergraduate Research 3 | 1-4 |
| CHEM 425 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 426 | Advanced Biochemistry | 4 |
| ENV 130 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3 |
| ENV 160 | Introductory GIS | 4 |
| ENV 220 | Water Quality and Aquaponics | 4 |
| ENV 240 | Native Plants of Wisconsin | 4 |
| ENV 320 | Environmental Data Analysis | 3 |
| ENV 499 | Advanced Applied Field Research 3 | 1-3 |
| RSC 302 | Advanced Anatomy | 4 |
| SCI 275 | Cosmogony (if not taken in the core) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 56 | |