Department of Biology

Dr. Brandy Garrett Kluthe, Chairperson

The Biology Department offers two majors and a minor in Biology. Students may choose a B.S degree with a concentration in Biology or Forensic Science or a B.A. degree with a concentration in Biology or Secondary Education. 

Requirements for Biology Major

Degree of Bachelor of Science

Biology Concentration

Twelve of the required credits for the major count towards the Core Curriculum Requirements.

BI-183General Biology I 13
BI-185General Biology I Lab1
BI-184General Biology II 13
BI-186General Biology II Lab1
BI-215Principles of Anatomy and Physiology4
BI-215LPrinciples of Anatomy and Physiology Lab0
BI-240Cell and Molecular Biology4
BI-240LCell & Molecular Bio Lab0
BI-350Genetics4
BI-350LGenetics Lab0
BI-310Ecology (WI)4
BI-310LEcology Lab0
BI-Biology Electives (300-level or above)11
BI-485Current Issues in Biology (Capstone)3
CH-131General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 13
CH-131LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 1 Lab1
CH-132General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 23
CH-132LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 2 Lab1
MA-132Statistics for Life Sciences 23
MA-133Calculus for the Life Sciences 24
PC-185General Physics I3
PC-187General Physics Laboratory I1
PC-186General Physics II3
PC-188General Physics Laboratory II1
Total Credits61

Forensic Science Concentration

Twelve of the required credits for the major count towards the Core Curriculum Requirements.

BI-183General Biology I 13
BI-185General Biology I Lab1
BI-184General Biology II 13
BI-186General Biology II Lab1
BI-215Principles of Anatomy and Physiology4
BI-215LPrinciples of Anatomy and Physiology Lab0
BI-240Cell and Molecular Biology4
BI-240LCell & Molecular Bio Lab0
BI-350Genetics4
BI-350LGenetics Lab0
BI-361Criminalistics & Forensic Science3
BI-450Microbiology4
BI-450LMicrobiology Lab0
BI-485Current Issues in Biology (Capstone)3
CH-131General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 13
CH-131LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 1 Lab1
CH-132General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 23
CH-132LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 2 Lab1
CH-251Organic Chemistry I3
CH-251LOrganic Chemistry I Lab1
CH-252Organic Chemistry II3
CH-252LOrganic Chemistry II Lab1
CH-442Biochemistry I3
MA-132Statistics for Life Sciences 23
MA-133Calculus for the Life Sciences 24
PC-185General Physics I3
PC-187General Physics Laboratory I1
PC-186General Physics II3
PC-188General Physics Laboratory II1
CJ-170Introduction to Criminal Justice3
CJ-316Criminal Evidence3
CJ-405Crime Investigation3
CJ-406Homicide: Investigation & Prosecution3
Select one of the following:1
Internship I (Capstone Experience)
Internship II (Capstone Experience)
Total Credits77

Bachelor of Arts

Biology Concentration

Twelve of the required credits for the major count towards the Core Curriculum Requirements.

BI-183General Biology I 13
BI-185General Biology I Lab1
BI-184General Biology II 13
BI-186General Biology II Lab1
BI-240Cell and Molecular Biology4
BI-240LCell & Molecular Bio Lab0
BI-350Genetics4
BI-350LGenetics Lab0
BI-485Current Issues in Biology3
MA-132Statistics for Life Sciences 23
MA-133Calculus for the Life Sciences 24
CH-131General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 13
CH-131LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 1 Lab1
BI- Electives (A minimum of one 4 credit laboratory course, one in organismic biology, and one in evolution/global issues/environmental health field must be taken)11-12
Select three cognate courses with at least one additional lab:10
General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 2
Gen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 2 Lab
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry I Lab
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II Lab
General Physics I
General Physics Laboratory I
General Physics II
General Physics Laboratory II
Total Credits51-52

Secondary Education Concentration

Twelve of the required credits for the major count towards the Core Curriculum Requirements.

BI-183General Biology I 13
BI-185General Biology I Lab1
BI-184General Biology II 13
BI-186General Biology II Lab1
BI-240Cell and Molecular Biology4
BI-240LCell & Molecular Bio Lab0
BI-350Genetics4
BI-350LGenetics Lab0
BI-485Current Issues in Biology (Capstone)3
MA-132Statistics for Life Sciences 23
MA-133Calculus for the Life Sciences 24
CH-131General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 13
CH-131LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 1 Lab1
BI-Electives (A minimum of two 4 credit laboratory courses, and one course n organismic biology.) 311
Select three courses with one additional lab:10
General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 2
Gen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 2 Lab
General Physics I
General Physics Laboratory I
General Physics II
General Physics Laboratory II
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry I Lab
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II Lab
Total Credits51

Special Note on Core Curriculum Requirements for all Biology Majors—All Concentrations

While CH-251-CH-252, Organic Chemistry I and II and the associated labs CH-251L and CH-252L, are not required for Biology (Biol­ogy Concentration) majors, these courses are strongly recommended since they are required for many post-graduate programs (health careers and/or graduate school).

Requirements for a Minor in Biology

BI-183General Biology I3
BI-185General Biology I Lab1
BI-184General Biology II3
BI-186General Biology II Lab1
Select two of the following courses and associated labs:8
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
and Principles of Anatomy and Physiology Lab
Cell and Molecular Biology
and Cell & Molecular Bio Lab
Genetics
and Genetics Lab
Ecology
and Ecology Lab
BI-Biology Electives4
Total Credits20

Articulations with Professional Schools

Saint Peter’s University has entered into a series of formal agreements with several Professional Schools to enhance the opportunities of students majoring in the sciences. See the separate listing for Pre-Professional Programs for details.

Core Courses Offered for Non-science Majors

The 100-level courses are offered for non-science majors to satisfy the Core Natural Science Requirements and are not open to majors in Biology or the Natural Sciences. Most include lectures and demonstrations only; some, such as BI-130, may include a laboratory component as well.

BI-122Nutrition in Health and Disease3
BI-123Concepts of Biology3
BI-124Human Structure and Function3
BI-125Heredity3
BI-126The Human Environment3
BI-1303
BI-1403
BI-161Basic Microbiology4
BI-171Anatomy and Physiology I4
BI-172Anatomy and Physiology II4

Courses

BI-122. Nutrition in Health and Disease. 3.00 Credits.

This course will explore a wealth of current information surrounding optimal nutrition and its association with disease prevention. Students will learn how to develop and implement a personal diet plan utilizing relevant nutritional recommendations and research for the enhancement of health and well-being. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-123. Concepts of Biology. 3.00 Credits.

The major concepts which unify the attempt of scientist to achieve an ever increasing understanding of life. The comprehension of these concepts enables a solid foundation in the scientific method, chemistry of life, metabolism, genetics, evolution and diversity of life. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-124. Human Structure and Function. 3.00 Credits.

The morphology and physiology of the human body. The structure and role of all systems. Interaction of systems with each other and with the environment. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-125. Heredity. 3.00 Credits.

Principles of genetics applied to humans. Human traits, genetic basis of human disorders, genetic counseling, and genetic engineering. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-126. The Human Environment. 3.00 Credits.

Relationships between humans and their environment. Sources of energy and food. Pollution, conservation of natural resources, and population problems. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-161. Basic Microbiology. 4.00 Credits.

The biology of bacteria and viruses: their morphology, physiology, and ecology. The role of microorganisms in disease and the principles of immunology. Includes laboratory.

BI-161L. Basic Microbiology Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Laboratory for BI-161 Basic Microbiology Prerequisites: BI-161 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-171. Anatomy and Physiology I. 4.00 Credits.

Emphasis on the structure and function of the major systems of the human body and its variations from the normal. The cellular, embryological, and genetic basis of structure and function are also considered. Includes laboratory. Not open to majors in biology and natural sciences. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-171L. Anatomy and Physiology I Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Laboratory for BI-171 Anatomy and Physiology, I Prerequisites: BI-171 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-172. Anatomy and Physiology II. 4.00 Credits.

Emphasis on the structure and function of the major systems of the human body and its variations from the normal. The cellular, embryological, and genetic basis of structure and function are also considered. Includes laboratory. Not open to majors in biology or natural sciences. Prerequisites: BI-171; Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-172L. Anatomy and Physiology II Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Laboratory for BI-172 Anatomy and Physiology, II Prerequisites: BI-172 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-183. General Biology I. 3.00 Credits.

Biological principles including scientific method, biological chemistry concepts, characteristics of life, cells and reactions, Mendelian and Molecular Genetics. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-184. General Biology II. 3.00 Credits.

Biological principles including origin of life, evolution, population genetics, diversity of life, comparative plant and animal biology, ecology. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-183 FOR BIOLOGY MAJOR OR MINOR. Course Type(s): Natural Science, Stem.

BI-185. General Biology I Lab. 1.00 Credit.

Laboratory course to accompany BI-183. Additional course fee of $100. Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-186. General Biology II Lab. 1.00 Credit.

Laboratory course to accompany BI-184. Additional course fee of $100. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-185 FOR BIOLOGY MAJOR OR MINOR. Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-215. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 4.00 Credits.

Studies of the structure and function of organ systems with emphasis on homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. Include laboratory. Additional course fee of $100. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-184.

BI-215L. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Laboratory for Anatomy and Physiology (BI-215) Prerequisites: BI-215; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-220. Concepts of Human Health & Disease. 3.00 Credits.

A survey of the mechanisms of disease, their expression in major organ systems, the factors that cause disruption of healthy body functions, leading to disease, and disease prevention. The goal is to use scientific reasoning to make informed decisions about matters related to human biology and health. Prerequisites: BI-171 AND BI-172 MINIMUM GRADE C.

BI-237. Forensic Science. 3.00 Credits.

The basic concepts and practices of biology and chemistry as applied to criminal investigation, examining and preserving forensic evidence, conducting crime-scene investigations, and science in the courts. Laboratory experience. Not open to Biology majors. Additional course fee of $75.

BI-240. Cell and Molecular Biology. 4.00 Credits.

Living systems at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels, Emphasis on molecular control of cellular activity, intermediate metabolism, and energy transformation. Additional course fee of $100. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-184 FOR BIOLOGY MAJOR OR MINOR.

BI-240L. Cell & Molecular Bio Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Laboratory for Cell and Molecular Biology (Bi 240) Prerequisites: BI-240; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-254. Contemporary Issues in Bioethics. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of contemporary issues in biomedical ethics, including abortion, euthanasia, the doctor-patient relationship, confidentiality, truth-telling, genetics, cloning, reproductive technologies, the just allocation of scarce medical resources. Values course. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.

BI-271. Concepts of Public Health. 3.00 Credits.

Introduction to Public Health Issues - public health laws, policy cycle, demographics, and epidemiological concepts and applications.

BI-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.

BI-301. Medical Immunology. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of the basics of immunology from the molecular to the cellular and organism level. A discussion of interactions in the healthy and disease states and the use of immunotherapy in medicine and the future of diagnostic immunology in health care. Prerequisites: BI-240 MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TAKING THIS COURSE.

BI-303. Medical Terminology. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the unique language needed to communicate effectively as a health care professional. A major focus is to develop skill sin word analysis. The basic structure of medical terms and the rules for word building and word deconstruction will be discussed in the context of how the body works in health and disease. Prerequisites: BI-215 OR BI-172.

BI-310. Ecology. 4.00 Credits.

The usual definition of ecology - the relationship between organisms and their environment - is expanded to include the biological as well as the physical conditions under which an organism, population, or species lives to show that relationships involve the interactions between the biotic world and the physical world as well as between members of the same species and between different species. Additional course fee of $100. Prerequisites: BI-183, BI-185, BI-184, BI-186, C OR BETTER IN BI-240; Course Type(s): Writing Intensive, Service Learning.

BI-310L. Ecology Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Laboratory for BI-310 Ecology Prerequisites: BI-184 OR BI-186; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-311. Field Studies in Biology. 3.00 Credits.

Methodology used in biology and environmental science field work will be emphasized as will data collection methods and tools used in the analysis and interpretation of data and results. Prerequisites: EV-100 OR BI-184.

BI-312. Biology of Global Change. 3.00 Credits.

This course will investigate natural and anthropogenic global change and its impact on marine, fresh water, terrestrial and human dominated ecosystems. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-184 FOR BIOLOGY MAJOR OR MINOR. Course Type(s): Pluralism.

BI-313. Human Evolution Ecology and Adaptation. 3.00 Credits.

This interdisciplinary course focuses on evolutionary adaptations of the human species to nature and ways it has adapted nature to serve its needs. These adaptations and their consequences for changes in human ways of life are central to this course. Prerequisites: BI-184 OR SO-121.

BI-325. Adv. Topics in Anatomy and Physiology. 3.00 Credits.

Continuation of BI-215, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Selected topics in anatomy and physiology with special reference to current clinical issues. Prerequisites: BI-215.

BI-326. Adv Topics: Anatomy and Physiology Lab. 1.00 Credit.

Laboratory course to accompany BI-325, Adv.Topics in Anatomy and Physiology. Additional course fee of $100. Prerequisites: BI-215; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-330. Environmental Health. 3.00 Credits.

Topics include pollution, including environmental endocrine disruptors/ plasticizers, plastic micro particles food safety natural resources and their conservation, natural medicinal products, positive effects of nature emerging infectious diseases climate change and health malnutrition the diabesity epidemic environmental causes of birth defects and cancer. Prerequisites: BI-172 OR BI-215 MINIMUM GRADE C MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TAKING THIS COURSE.

BI-340. Pathophysiology. 3.00 Credits.

Biological processes which affect the human body's dynamic equilibrium, or homeostasis, associated with potential or actual disease conditions. Prerequisites: BI-172 OR BI-215 MINIMUM GRADE C MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TAKING THIS COURSE.

BI-350. Genetics. 4.00 Credits.

Theories of heredity and variation. Pre- Mendelian, Mendelian, cytogenetics, and population genetics. Application of theories in laboratory. Additional course fee of $100. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240.

BI-350L. Genetics Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Laboratory for BI-350 Genetics Prerequisites: BI-350; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-361. Criminalistics & Forensic Science. 3.00 Credits.

The theory and application of the principles of forensic science. Lab includes an analysis of the techniques and procedures in forensic science. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240.

BI-365. Science Teaching and Communication. 3.00 Credits.

In this course students perform a deep analysis of a socioscientific issue and develop a pedagogical/communication plan that encourages engagement and scaffolds constructive socioscientific reasoning. Prerequisites: BI-184; MINIMUM GRADE C; Course Type(s): Pluralism.

BI-370. General Virology. 3.00 Credits.

Study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of viruses. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240.

BI-385. Ornithology: the Science of Birds. 3.00 Credits.

The scientific study of birds, with a focus on behavior (e.g. intelligence, songs), diversity, evolution, migration patterns, and habitat needs. This course will involve fieldwork and bioacoustic analysis. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI 184.

BI-389. Intro to Forensic Pathology. 3.00 Credits.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of forensic pathology, and underscores the importance of thorough death investigations in the criminal justice system. Topics covered includes the role of the forensic pathologist, postmortem changes, autopsies, causes of death, classification and documentation of injuries, toxicology, and other related forensic disciplines.

BI-393. Civilization & Disease. 3.00 Credits.

A survey of the impact of disease on the course of human history. Prerequisites: BI-184.

BI-394. Epidemiology. 3.00 Credits.

Applications of epidemiologic methods and procedures to the study of the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations. Infections versus chronic diseases, data sources, study design and measures of morbidity and mortality will be studied. Prerequisites: BI-172 OR BI-184 MINIMUM GRADE C MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TAKING THIS COURSE. MA-132 OR MA-212 CONCURRENTLY OR PRIOR TO TAKING THIS COURSE.

BI-400. Sustainability: Plan for a Better Future. 3.00 Credits.

Students will learn about the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals which are designed to be a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future". Students will design a project based on a deeper exploration of one (or more) sustainable goals of their choosing. Prerequisites: EV-100 OR BI-184 AND COMPLETED 60 CREDITS.

BI-435. Development. 3.00 Credits.

Developmental phenomena are approached first by analysis of the molecular and cellular basis of these processes, which are common to the eukaryotes, and secondly by descriptions of selected examples of development, including fungi, protozoa, algae, higher plants, and invertebrates. Includes laboratory. Additional course fee of $100. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-450. Microbiology. 4.00 Credits.

Microorganisms, with emphasis on the morphology, physiology, and ecological roles of bacteria and viruses. Principles of immunology. Includes laboratory. Additional course fee of $75. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240.

BI-450L. Microbiology Lab. 0.00 Credits.

Lab to accompany Microbiology - BI-450. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-452. Evolution. 3.00 Credits.

Consideration of organic evolution including the origin of cells, adaptive radiation, natural selection, population genetics, and human evolution. Prerequisites: BI-215.

BI-458. Parasitology. 3.00 Credits.

Biology, epidemiology, pathology, and diagnosis of animal and human parasites. Physiology of host-parasite interplay. Includes laboratory. Additional course fee of $75. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.

BI-460. Histology. 3.00 Credits.

Cell types and tissues of vertebrates on the microscopic and submicroscopic levels disposition of tissues in the various organs. Includes laboratory. Additional course fee of $75. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240.

BI-462. Botany. 3.00 Credits.

Structure, functions, development, and ecological relationships of higher plants. Evolutionary and phylogenetic survey of the plant kingdom (including fungi). Includes laboratory. Additional course fee of $50. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240.

BI-464. Immunology. 3.00 Credits.

The study of the basic concepts of cellular and humoral products of the immune system. Genetics of immunoglobulin production, antigen - antibody reactions, immunopathological mechanisms of hypersensitivity, auto immunity, transplantation and immunodeficiency. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240.

BI-469. Human Nutrition. 3.00 Credits.

The study of nutritional principles and the application of these principles to daily health maintenance as well as conditions which require special diet management. Prerequisites: BI-172 OR BI-215 MINIMUM GRADE C MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TAKING THIS COURSE.

BI-473. Vertebrate Zoology. 3.00 Credits.

A survey of the vertebrates with an emphasis on classification, structure, function, and evolution. Laboratory included. Prerequisites: BI-215.

BI-485. Current Issues in Biology. 3.00 Credits.

Current topics in the biological sciences. Lectures, discussions and critical analysis of journal articles and other readings related to the course. Capstone for Biology majors. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240; Course Type(s): Capstone, Senior Seminar, Writing Intensive.

BI-488. Astrobiology. 3.00 Credits.

The biological perspective on the origin of life, its evolution, the search for habitable planets, exploration of our solar system and beyond, and the future of life on Earth and elsewhere. Prerequisites: BI-184.

BI-489. Globalization & Fieldwork Seminar. 3.00 Credits.

Short term study/travel course in which students conduct first hand investigations on the effects of globalization in relevant settings. Specific area and topics determined at the beginning of the Academic Year. Locations change every term. Additional course fee of $50. Prerequisites: BI-184; Course Type(s): International (Travel), Pluralism.

BI-497. Research I. 3.00 Credits.

Introduction to biological research. Topics will include: experimental research techniques, bibliographic searching, the review and publishing process, presentation of papers at scientific meetings and writing grants. Additional course fee of $50. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240 AND PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar, Capstone, Writing Intensive.

BI-498. Research II. 3.00 Credits.

An original independent lab research project for upper-level students, under the supervision of a faculty member. Additional course fee of $50. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-240 AND PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. Course Type(s): Capstone, Writing Intensive.

BI-499. Natural Ecosystems of New Jersey. 3.00 Credits.

An overview of the animals and plants of New Jersey as well as physical features such as geology and climate. Emphasis on the diversity of NJ wildlife and habitats, with discussion of such issues as conservation of natural resources, forest and wildlife management, and pollution. Will be taught through field trips. Additional course fee of $235. Prerequisites: C OR BETTER IN BI-184 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.