2012-13 Undergraduate Catalog
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

BIO 1100 | BIO 1859 | BIO 2101 | BIO 2102 | BIO 2103 | BIO 2129 | BIO 2130 | BIO 2569 | BIO 2570 | BIO 2979 | BIO 3000 | BIO 3301 | BIO 3310 | BIO 3320 | BIO 3325 | BIO 3350 | BIO 3351 | BIO 3432 | BIO 3434 | BIO 3453 | BIO 3456 | BIO 3898 | BIO 3899 | BIO 4117 | BIO 4256 | BIO 4325 | BIO 4330 | BIO 4340 | BIO 4352 | BIO 4360 | BIO 4361 | BIO 4362 | BIO 4363 | BIO 4413 | BIO 4415 | BIO 4418 | BIO 4420 | BIO 4435 | BIO 4615 | BIO 4735 | BIO 4740 | BIO 4744 | BIO 4810 | BIO 4815 | BIO 4825 | BIO 4830 | BIO 4835 | BIO 4840 | BIO 4880 | BIO 4899 | BIO 4900 | BIO 4917 | BIO 4918 | BIO 4930 | BIO 4940 | BIO 4950 | BIO 4970 | BIO 4978 | BIO 4979 | BIO 4982 | VIEW ALL
BIO 1100: Biological Science (5) Offerings
Intended for non-biology majors. Emphasis varies quarterly: human nutrition, animal biology, environmental biology, biological diversity, marine biology, and others. Basic concepts include the chemistry of living things, their structure and function, and their interactions with the environment. Applications to current issues are considered from a Christian perspective. No credit will be given for students who have taken BIO 2101, 2102, 2103, 2129, 2130, or who have advanced placement biology credit. Also offered at Blakely Island Field Station and as a study tour.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 1859: Biology Cornerstone Seminar (1) Offerings
A gateway to the study of biology intended for all students who plan to major in biology. Emphasis is on developing critical thinking skills in research design and in the application of the scientific method. This seminar provides an introduction to biological research being conducted at Seattle Pacific University and investigates the role of Christian faith in scientific discovery.
BIO 2101: General Biology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: CHM 1100, 1211, or 1310, or score of 30 or higher on the Chemistry Placement Exam. Intended for students majoring in biology. Surveys scientific method, chemistry of living organisms, organization of cells, and foundations of genetics and molecular biology. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2102: General Biology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: Must receive a C- or better in BIO 2101 or permission of instructor. Intended for students majoring in biology. Surveys animal classification, structure, function, development, and behavior. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2103: General Biology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: Must receive a C- or better in BIO 2101 or permission of instructor. Intended for students majoring in biology. Surveys the non-animal kingdoms. Also covers plant structure and function, evolutionary mechanisms, and ecology. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2129: Human Anatomy and Physiology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: CHM 1100, 1211, or 1310, or score of 30 or higher on the Chemistry placement Exam. Studies the structure and function of the human organism. Includes cells and tissues, skeletal, integumentary, muscular, and nervous systems. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2130: Human Anatomy and Physiology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: Must receive a C- or better in BIO 2129. Studies the structure and function of the human organism. Emphasizes the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, renal, and reproductive systems. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2569: Introduction to Biology I (0,3) Offerings
Prerequisites: PHY 2567 or CHM 1100 or (CHM 1211 or a score of 30 or above on the Chemistry Placement Test). Intended for students majoring in Integrated Studies. Surveys scientific method, chemistry of living organisms, organization of cells, foundations of genetics and molecular biology, and physiology. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2570: Introduction to Biology II (0,3) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 2569. Intended for students majoring in Integrated Studies. Surveys evolution, ecology, and diversity. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2979: Introduction to Biological Research (1) Offerings
The student will conduct research in a laboratory based on an existing project established by the faculty member as an introduction to the process of research in general and to that faculty member's research in particular. May be repeated for credit up to 2 credits.
BIO 3000: Introduction to Biological Anthropology (5) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 1100 or 2103 or 2570. Basic principles for understanding humans from a biological perspective. This course is a comprehensive introduction to the field of biological anthropology. Explores topics of human and non-human primate genetics, behavior and evolution as well as human ecology and medical anthropology.
Equivalent Courses:ANT 3000 Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
BIO 3301: Tropical Biology (3-5) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 2101 or 2570. This is a study tour course to a tropical location. The focus of the course may change from year to year. Recent courses have focused on Caribbean coral reef ecology and the natural history of the Galapagos Islands. May be repeated for credit 1 time.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3310: Ecology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2570 and MAT 1360), or (BIO 2101 and 2103 and MAT 1360). MAT 1360 may be taken concurrently. Explores the factors and mechanisms responsible for population dynamics, community structure, and the function of ecosystems. Includes laboratory.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 3320: Principles of Development (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101 and 2102, or equivalent. Surveys principles of developmental biology in vertebrates and representative invertebrate models. Required laboratory is devoted to experimental and descriptive approaches to the study of development. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3325: Genetics (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101 and MAT 1360, and student must be accepted into a major. Introduces inheritance of specific traits through the study of transmission genetics. Focuses on the biology of gene transmission, nucleic acids, chromosome structure, regulation, epigenetics, genetic disease and biotechnology. Research methods are stressed throughout the course. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Applied Human Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Physiology Majors only.
BIO 3350: Immunology (3) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101, or BIO 2129 and 2130. Covers major features of innate and adaptive immunity, including antibodies, T cell receptors, leukocyte development, responses to bacterial and viral infections, vaccines, and disorders of the immune system such as allergy, autoimmunity, and AIDS. No laboratory.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3351: General Microbiology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in BIO 2101, or (BIO 2129 and C- or better in 2130), or BIO 2568. Gives an overview of the field of microbiology with an emphasis on the bacterial, viral and fungal organisms that cause disease in humans and animals. Required laboratory focuses on the appropriate handling, growth, and processing of microorganisms for clinical applications. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3432: Biodiversity: Vertebrate Biology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2102 and 2103) or (BIO 2567 and 2568). Examines vertebrate life in an evolutionary context through the study of adaptations, comparative anatomy, paleontology, and natural history. Includes laboratory. Offered alternate years.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3434: Animal Behavior (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2102 and 2103, or BIO 2568. Examines the mechanisms and evolution of behavior in the major animal groups, exploring the application of scientific thinking and methodology to the study of animal behavior. Includes laboratory/discussion. Offered alternate years.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 3453: Biodiversity: Plant Identification and Taxonomy (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 2103 or (BIO 2569 and 2570). Explores sampling, identification, and systematics of the major plant families with special emphasis on the flora of the Pacific Northwest. Includes laboratory/field studies. Offered alternate years.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3456: Mycology (3) Offerings
Prerequisite: (BIO 2101 and 2103) or (BIO 2569 and 2570). Considers the members of the Kingdom Fungi and some pseudofungal organisms. We will consider the taxonomy, identification, morphology, ultrastructure, ecology, environmental importance, and commercial value of fungi.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3898: Women in Science (2) Offerings
This course will explore key scientific discoveries with a specific focus on the work of women scientists and the ways in which our understanding of the world has been heavily impacted by successes of these scientists. This course takes both a historical and current perspective to the contributions women scientists have made to their specific fields, including chemistry, physics, engineering, anthropology, and biology.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 3899: Scientific Literature (1) Offerings
Prerequistes: BIO 2101, 2102 and 2103. Students will read, discuss and present recent peer-reviewed journal articles in a selected subdiscipline of biology. The focus of the course will change from quarter to quarter, depending on the interests of the professor and students. May be repeated for credit 2 times.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4117: Birds of the Pacific Northwest (5) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 2102 or (BIO 2569 and 2570). Study of birds common to the Puget Sound area and adjacent regions. Class activities include field observations, lectures, library research, and laboratory study. Offered alternate years; includes field trips to Blakely campus and other locales. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4256: Environmental Physiology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2102 and 2103. Studies organisms in relation to the physical factors of the environment. Examines physiological and biochemical aspects of adaptation. Includes laboratory. Offered alternate years.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4325: Molecular Biology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101, 3325. Detailed examination of the molecular mechanisms controlling the replication, regulation and function of nucleic acids in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Explores foundational principles of molecular genetics, genomics and genetic engineering including the central dogma, gene regulation, genomics, biotechnology and associated techniques used by researchers in these fields. Advanced research topics in molecular biology will be addressed in the context of an original research project. Includes intensive laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4330: Evolutionary Mechanisms (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2103, 3325, and MAT 1360. Explores population genetics as a mechanism of evolutionary change, emphasizing mutation, recombination, and selection. Considers speciation, quantitative genetics, neutral theory, phylogenetic systematics, history, and extinction. Includes discussion of micro-evolutionary and macro-evolutionary changes.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course Restrictions:Non-Matriculated are excluded.
BIO 4340: Advanced Microbiology (5) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 2101 and (BIO 3325 or 4361). Broad coverage of advanced microbiology themes, including genomics, diversity, biochemistry, genetics, and ecology of microbial systems. Required laboratory focuses on independent student research projects using microbial model systems. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4352: Cell Biology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 3325 and CHM 3371. Examines structure and functions of bacteria, plants, and animals, emphasizing cellular specialization, organelle models, and chemical dynamics. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Equivalent Courses:EGR 4352 Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4360: Biostatistics (5) Offerings
Prerequisite: MAT 1360. Explores the nature and use of measurement and evaluation and standardized testing. Develops concepts and skills in the development, selection, administration, and interpretation of statistical tests. Specific topics covered may include the following: Analysis of variance and covariance; chi square tests; nonparametric procedure multiple and curvilinear regression; experimental design power of tests; and use of computer programs in standard statistical problems.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Applied Human Biology, Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Physiology Majors, Minors, Concentrations only.
BIO 4361: Biochemistry (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: CHM 3373. Studies chemical properties of biological compounds: carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins, and nucleic acids. Metabolism: biochemical energetics, enzymes, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation. Integration of metabolism: biochemical genetics, metabolic regulation. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Equivalent Courses:CHM 4361 Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4362: Biochemistry (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 4361. Continuation of BIO 4361. Studies chemical properties of biological compounds: carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Metabolism: biochemical energetics, enzymes, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation. Integration of metabolism: biochemical genetics, metabolic regulation. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Equivalent Courses:CHM 4362 Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4363: Biochemistry (3) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 4362 or permission of instructor. Explores selected topics including immunoglobulins and the immune system; bacterial cell walls; membrane transport; hormone action; control of expression; genetic code; muscle contraction; cell physiology; drug action; protein folding; HIV mechanisms; and mechanisms of infectious disease. Seminar format with leading researchers presenting current work. No laboratory.
Equivalent Courses:CHM 4363 Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4413: Animal Physiology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2101 and 2102) or (BIO 2129 and 2130), and (CHM 1330 or CHM 3372). Investigates the integrative physiology of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. The endocrine, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urogenital systems will be discussed. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4415: Plant Physiology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101 and 2103. Considers photosynthesis, material transport, seed germination, growth and development, flowering and fruiting, and hormones of plants. The relationship of structure and function will be emphasized. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4418: Neurobiology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2101 and 2102) or (BIO 2129 and 2130). An introduction to the neurosciences, focusing on fundamental concepts and comparative aspects of nervous-system structure and function. Laboratory makes extensive use of invertebrate models to examine the cellular basis of behavior, including neuronal morphology, electrophysiology, and transmitter chemistry. Includes laboratory. Offered alternate years. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4420: Histology and Microscopic Technology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101 and 2102. BIO 4352 recommended. Examines microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues, and organ/systems, examining their structure and the morphological evidences of their function. Emphasizes human histology. Includes laboratory. Offered alternate years. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4435: Biodiversity: Parasites and Pests (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101, 2102, and 2103. Explores the biology and classification of medically and economically important organisms, with emphasis on protozoa, parasitic worms, insects, and mites. Provides a survey of parasitic disease, vector biology, and animal pests of livestock and crops. Includes laboratory. Offered alternate years. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4615: Issues and Values in Biology (3) Offerings
Examines ethical aspects of current issues in biology that help shape a Christian worldview and value system.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
BIO 4735: Marine Biology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2102 and 2103) or (BIO 2569 and 2570). Study of the marine environment and the identification, unique features, and natural history of the organisms inhabiting it. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4740: Marine Invertebrate Zoology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2102, or (BIO 2569 and 2570). Provides a field and laboratory course emphasizing identification, life histories, habitats, and interrelationships of Pacific Northwest marine invertebrates. Includes laboratory. Normally taught Summer Quarter at Blakely Island. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4744: Marine Botany (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2101 and 2103) or (BIO 2569 and 2570). Provides a field and laboratory course emphasizing identification, life histories, habitats, and interrelationships of marine plants with emphasis on local flora and Blakely Island. Includes laboratory. Normally taught in summer at Blakely Island Field Station. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4810: Marine Ecology (5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2102 and 2103) or BIO 2570. Considers recent advances in marine ecology. Symbioses, predation, herbivory, and interactions with the physical environment will be emphasized. Laboratory and field work will include the application of ecological techniques to a specific problem and will include the writing of reports describing the results. Offered during the Summer Quarter at Blakely Island Field Station. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4815: Aquatic Ecology (0,5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2101, 2102, and 2103) or BIO 2570. Introduces students to the biology of freshwater organisms. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of flowing and standing water habitats will be studied. The field and laboratory work will focus on lakes, streams, and marshes. Offered Summer Quarter at Blakely Island Field Station. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4825: Forest Ecology (5) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 2103 or 2570. Examines the organisms that comprise the forest ecosystem and their interaction with the physical environment. Emphasis will be placed on field study of forest community composition and the forest as a biologically modified habitat. Normally offered Summer Quarter at Blakely Island Field Station. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4830: Ecological Restoration Workshop (2) Offerings
A workshop providing practical experience in restoring damaged forest or wetland sites on Blakely Island, combined with readings and discussions of technical, social, and spiritual issues related to the emerging interdisciplinary area of ecological restoration. Normally offered Summer Quarter at Blakely Island Field Station. Extra Fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4835: Conservation Biology (5) Offerings
Prerequisites: (BIO 2101, 2102, and 2103) or BIO 2570 or equivalent. Considers values of, threats to, and strategies for conserving biodiversity. Theories of conservation biology will be applied to local biodiversity on Blakely Island. Field exercises will focus on assessing biodiversity of distinct taxa and honing skills for identifying the diversity of plants and animals near the field station. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4840: Chemical Ecology (5) Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2101, 2102, and 2103. Explores the physical, physiological, and ecological bases for chemical communication between organisms. Requires laboratory. Focuses on independent student projects using physiological and behavioral research techniques. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4880: Blakely Field Studies (1-5) Offerings
Provides a brief (e.g., weekend) field learning experience focusing on a single aspect of the Blakely Island environment, such as fresh water, marine, or terrestrial habitats. Offered at Blakely Island Field Station. Extra fee. Course may only be repeated for credit if a different topic is studied. May be repeated for credit up to 5 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4899: Natural Sciences Seminar (1) Offerings
A capstone experience for seniors that explores current natural sciences topics in an interdisciplinary setting. Seminars addressing current research advances, ethical issues in science, or the intersection of science, vocation, and Christian faith are presented by faculty, students, and guest scholars. Discussion and reflection incorporate appropriate readings. A minimum of two quarters of seminar must be completed during the senior year to fulfill the senior capstone requirement. May be repeated for credit up to 3 credits.
Equivalent Courses:CHM 4899, PHY 4899 Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Post-Baccalaureate, Senior students only.
BIO 4900: Independent Study in Biology (1-5) Offerings
Directed readings and/or investigation on special topics. May be repeated for credit up to 5 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4917: Latin American Studies Program: Science Seminar (6) Offerings
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Latin American Studies program. Taught through the semester-long program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in Costa Rica. This seminar introduces students to biological field studies in a tropical location. May be taken as an alternative to SBS 4919, but is not recommended for the LAS major. Part of the tropicals science track.
Attributes:Natural Science A, Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Non-Matriculated students are excluded.
BIO 4918: Latin American Studies Program: Field Research (3) Offerings
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Latin American Studies program. Taught through semester-long program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in Costa Rica. Part of the tropical science track.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4930: Biology Practicum (1-5) Offerings
Provides opportunity for applied biology. Selected students are assigned teaching, grading, lab preparation, and/or tutoring responsibilities. May be repeated for credit up to 5 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4940: Internship in Biology (1-5) Offerings
Provides a significant learning experience under faculty supervision in a work-study environment either on or off campus. May be repeated for credit up to 5 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4950: Special Studies in Biology (1-5) Offerings
Provides selected field-study topics offered at Biology Department's discretion: Hawaiian marine biology; Caribbean marine biology (e.g., Belize); Galapagos Islands natural history; Sonoran Desert biology; Alpine flora; and others. May be repeated for credit up to 6 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4970: Research Methods in Biology (1-5) Offerings
Provides theoretical foundation and practical experience in specific research methods used in the biological sciences. Each course focuses on a single research methodology, such as scanning or transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), flourescence microscopy, nucleic acid sequencing and others. Extra fee. May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4978: Biological Research Proposal (1) Offerings
The student will prepare a proposal including a literature review and methods description for a biological research project.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
BIO 4979: Biological Research (1-4) Offerings
Prerequisite: BIO 4978. The student will conduct research based on a proposal prepared prior to registering for this course. Results of the research will be presented at undergraduate or professional symposia. May be repeated for credit up to 12 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
BIO 4982: Advanced Biological Research (1-5) Offerings
Prerequisite: 12 credits of BIO 4979. The student will conduct research based on a proposal prepared prior to registering for this course. Results of the research will be presented at undergraduate or professional symposia. May be repeated for credit up to 30 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division

 



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