Northern Michigan University...Michigan's ThinkPad University
 

Biology Department Office
2001 New Science Facility
Phone: 906-227-2310
Fax: 906-227-1063

Web page
http://www.nmu.edu/biology/

E-mail
biology@nmu.edu

Department Head
Neil Cumberlidge
ncumberl@nmu.edu

Faculty
Donna M. Becker
Jacqueline Bird
John G. Bruggink
Neil Cumberlidge
Thomas G. Froiland
Brent M. Graves
Jill B. K. Leonard
Alec R. Lindsay
Ronald A. Parejko
John E. Rebers
Alan Rebertus
Roger M. Strandl
Frank A. Verley
Robert J. Winn

Student Organizations
• Pre-Dental Club
• Pre-Medical Club
• Pre-Veterinary Club
• Student Michigan Education
     Association
• Tri Beta Society
• Wildlife Society


Department Facilities
• small animal facility
• greenhouse
• herbarium
• Lake Superior Research Boat
• zoological collection
• two transmission electron
     microscopes
• molecular biology facilities

Longyear Forest

The university owns a small (120 acre) forest, Longyear Forest, with varied northern hardwood, boreal, and bog habitats. The forest is used for field-study and for ecology laboratories.

 
 
 2003-2004
Undergraduate Bulletin

 
 
 

Biology

 

 

Biology at NMU

The Biology Department offers programs for undergraduate majors, minors and graduate students. The offerings complement programs in nursing, health, liberal arts and sciences, physical education, clinical laboratory science, and environmental conservation, among others. The courses emphasize fundamental concepts of biology at the subcellular, organismic and population levels. The laboratory courses provide students with first-hand experience in understanding biological concepts, thus furthering their understanding of human life.

 

An education in biology can lead to a professional career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, allied health, optometry, physical therapy, wildlife biology, waste water management, environmental control, teaching, and research. Opportunities for employment exist in business, industry, hospitals, universities, the military, and government at all levels. In addition, a biology degree is excellent preparation for graduate work leading to careers in the areas noted above. In many cases, an advanced degree is required for employment or for promotion to higher levels. A strong background in the physical sciences, social sciences or business is helpful to a biological career.

 

Biology Programs

The department offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and master of science in biology. The Biology Department offers four separate majors: biology, botany, zoology and biology/secondary education. Students with a biology major have the opportunity for further specialization by choosing from one of four concentrations: general biology, ecology, microbiology and physiology. In addition, the Biology Department contributes course work to interdisciplinary programs in water science, biochemistry, environmental science, diagnostic genetics and science technologist. The department also offers three minor programs of study: biology, human biology and biology education.

 

Biologists should have a knowledge of organisms at all levels ranging from molecular activities within cells to ecosystem dynamics. For this reason, the biology tracks and the botany and zoology majors are all built around the same core of courses: Introductory Biology (BI 111, BI 112), Principles of Ecology (BI 210), Genetics (BI 312), Evolution (BI 315) and Physiology of Aging (BI 222) or Plant Physiology (BI 431), General Microbiology (BI 303), or Cell Biology (BI 313). The remaining courses for the major are selected to satisfy the student’s interests and career plans. Students who plan to apply to a professional school or pursue graduate work in biology are strongly advised to include Organic Chemistry I and II (CH 321, 322) and a year of physics.

 

General Biology

This major provides an opportunity for a diversified background in biology, applicable to a wide range of introductory positions of employment in business and industry, hospitals, universities, the military and government at the local, state and federal levels. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate work in biology or related sciences.

 

Biology – Ecology Emphasis

This program provides students a background for further study or for introductory positions of employment in fish and wildlife management, forestry, environmental science and other natural resource fields. Students interested in a career in wildlife biology should obtain information from the Biology Department on course selection for certification as an associate wildlife biologist.

 

Biology – Microbiology Emphasis

This program is appropriate for pre-professional students in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, and pre-veterinary medicine. It provides students a foundation for introductory positions of employment in such fields as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing of biological products, and monitoring of health and environmental standards. It can also serve as a foundation for graduate studies in special areas of microbiology.

 

Biology – Physiology Emphasis

This program is appropriate for pre-professional students in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, and pre-veterinary medicine, pre-optometry and for those going into physical therapy. It provides students a foundation for introductory positions of employment in such fields as biomedical research, food and drug manufacturing, nutrition and sports physiology. It can also serve as a basis for graduate studies in developmental biology, physiological ecology and embryology.

 

Secondary Education Biology

Students desiring certification as a secondary school teacher in biology follow this curriculum. Students in this program must select an academic minor in another department. A minor in chemistry education is recommended.

 

Botany

This program provides an opportunity for a diversified background in botany applicable to a wide range of introductory positions in business and industry, universities, and government at the local, state and federal levels. It also provides preparation for graduate work in botany or related sciences.

 

Zoology

This program provides students a foundation for introductory positions of employment in museums, zoos, universities, and state and federal agencies involved in fish, wildlife and other natural resource use. It is an appropriate program for pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, and pre-veterinary science students. It also provides a solid background for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in special areas of zoology.

 

Department/Program Policies

Each non-teaching biology major requires a 2.00 GPA to complete the major. Exceptions must be requested via petition to the department’s academic programs committee. Students majoring in secondary education biology or minoring in biology education must maintain a grade point average of 2.70 or greater with no grade below a "C" in the professional education sequence, the major and/or minor and required cognates combined.

 

Students enrolled in biology laboratory courses must pay replacement costs for damaged supplies (e.g., glassware and microscope slides) or equipment (e.g., microscopes) having value in excess of one dollar. Records of assessments for damage are maintained in the department, and students are notified of any costs due no later than the last laboratory meeting.

 

Recommendation for Students Bound for Graduate School

Many graduate programs in the biological sciences, including the one at Northern Michigan University, require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission. Students intending to pursue graduate study in the biological sciences should take this examination early in their senior year.

 

 

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

General Biology Major

Total Credits Required for Degree

124

Liberal Studies

30-40*

Health Promotion

2

Major

44

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

4

BI 312 Genetics

4

BI 315 Evolution

4

BI 222 Animal Physiology

4

BI 313 Cell Biology

 

BI 431 Plant Physiology

 

BI 230 Plant Kingdom

4

BI 430 Plant Anatomy

 

BI 434 Plant Ecology

 

BI 221 Comparative Anatomy (4 cr.) or

3-4

BI 321 Embryology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 322 Vertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 421 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 423 Parasitology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 424 General Entomology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 427 Ecological Animal Physiology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 460 Ichthyology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 461 Herpetology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 462 Ornithology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 463 Mammalogy (3 cr.) or

 

BI 465 Aquatic Insects

 

BI 203 Medical Microbiology or

5

BI 303 General Microbiology

 

Biology Electives
Any BI course at the 200 level or above except for BI 206 and BI 305.

3-4

Other Required Courses

32

CH 111 General Chemistry I*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 112 General Chemistry II*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

Chemistry electives numbered 215 or above

8

CIS 110 Principles of Computer Information Systems or

4

CS 120 Computer Science I

 

PH 201, PH 202 College Physics I and II or

10

PH 220, PH 221 Introductory Physics I and II

 

*Transfer students may satisfy this requirement with a minimum of 4 credit hours.

 

Biology Major–Ecology Emphasis

Total Credits Required for Degree

124

Liberal Studies

30-40*

Health Promotion

2

Major

44

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

4

BI 222 Animal Physiology (4 cr.) or

4-5

BI 303 General Microbiology (5 cr.) or

 

BI 313 Cell Biology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 431 Plant Physiology (4 cr.)

 

BI 310 Ecology Theory and Methods

4

BI 312 Genetics

4

BI 315 Evolution

4

BI 230 Plant Kingdom (4 cr.) or

3-4

BI 322 Vertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 410 Ecology of the Great Lakes (4 cr.) or

 

BI 421 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 423 Parasitology (3 cr.)

 

BI 424 General Entomology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 427 Ecological Animal Physiology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 434 Plant Ecology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 460 Ichthyology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 461 Herpetology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 462 Ornithology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 463 Mammalogy (3 cr.) or

 

BI 465 Aquatic Insects

 

BI 410 Ecology of the Great Lakes (4 cr.) or

3-4

BI 411 Limnology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 441 Fisheries Management (3 cr.) or

 

BI 442 Wildlife Management (4 cr.)

 

Biology Electives
Any BI course at 200 level or above except for BI 206 and BI 305.

3-6

Other Required Courses

27-29

CH 111 General Chemistry I*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 112 General Chemistry II*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 220 Introductory Organic Chemistry or

4-5

CH 321 Organic Chemistry I

 

PH 201 College Physics I or

5

PH 220 Introductory Physics I

 

Electives
Choose from the following:

8-9

Chemistry electives at the 215 level or above

 

PH 202 College Physics II (5 cr.)

 

PH 221 Introductory Physics II (5 cr.)

 

MA 161 Calculus (5 cr.)

 

GC 202 Soils (4 cr.)

 

GC 225 Introduction to Maps (2 cr.)

 

GC 335 Geographic Information Systems (4 cr.)

 

GC 385 Weather and Climate (4 cr.)

 

GC 255 Physical Geology (4 cr.)

 

*Transfer students may satisfy this requirement with a minimum of 4 semester hours.

 

Biology Major–Microbiology Emphasis

Total Credits Required for Degree

124

Liberal Studies

30-40*

Health Promotion

2

Major

44

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

4

BI 303 General Microbiology

5

BI 312 Genetics

4

BI 315 Evolution

4

Biology Electives
Choose from the following:

15

BI 203 Medical Microbiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 222 Animal Physiology (4 cr.)

 

BI 313 Cell Biology (4 cr.)

 

BI 402 Microbial Ecology (3 cr.)

 

BI 404 Virology (3 cr.)

 

BI 405 Immunology (3 cr.)

 

BI 413 Biochemistry of Development (4 cr.)

 

BI 414 Electron Microscopy (3 cr.)

 

BI 418 Molecular Biology (4 cr.)

 

BI 423 Parasitology (3 cr.)

 

BI 431 Plant Physiology (4 cr.)

 

Other Required Courses

32

CH 111 General Chemistry I*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 112 General Chemistry II*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 321 Organic Chemistry I

4

CH 322 Organic Chemistry II

4

CH 450 Introductory Biochemistry

4

PH 201, 202 College Physics I and II or

10

PH 220, 221 Introductory Physics I and II

 

*Transfer students may satisfy this requirement with a minimum of 4 credit hours.

 

Biology Major–Physiology Emphasis

Total Credits Required for Degree

124

Liberal Studies

30-40*

Health Promotion

2

Major

43-45

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

4

BI 221 Comparative Anatomy (4 cr.) or

3-4

BI 201 Human Anatomy (3 cr.)

 

BI 222 Animal Physiology (4 cr.) or

4-5

BI 202 Human Physiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 312 Genetics

4

BI 313 Cell Biology or

4

BI 431 Plant Physiology

 

BI 315 Evolution

4

Biology Electives
Choose from the following:

8

BI 201 Human Anatomy (3 cr.)

 

BI 202 Human Physiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 203 Medical Microbiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 221 Comparative Anatomy (4 cr.)

 

BI 222 Animal Physiology (4 cr.)

 

BI 225 Physiology of Aging (3 cr.)

 

BI 303 General Microbiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 313 Cell Biology (4 cr.)

 

BI 321 Embryology (4 cr.)

 

BI 405 Immunology (3 cr.)

 

BI 413 Biochemistry of Development (4 cr.)

 

BI 414 Electron Microscopy (3 cr.)

 

BI 416 Experimental Cytogenetics (2-3 cr.)

 

BI 418 Molecular Biology (4 cr.)

 

BI 419 Biology of Cancer (4 cr.)

 

BI 425 Endocrinology (3 cr.)

 

BI 426 Human Histology (4 cr.)

 

BI 427 Ecological Animal Physiology (4 cr.)

 

BI 431 Plant Physiology (4 cr.)

 

Other Required Courses

32

CH 111 General Chemistry I*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 112 General Chemistry II*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 321-322 Organic Chemistry I and II or

8

CH 220 Introductory Organic Chemistry plus 3 additional chemistry credits

 

CH 450 Introductory Biochemistry

4

PH 201, PH 202 College Physics I and II or

10

PH 220, PH 221 Introductory Physics I and II

 

*Transfer student may satisfy this requirement with a minimum of 4 semester hours.

 

Botany Major

Total Credits Required for Degree

124

Liberal Studies

30-40*

Health Promotion

2

Major

44

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

4

BI 312 Genetics

4

BI 315 Evolution

4

BI 431 Plant Physiology

4

Biology Electives
Choose from the following:

10-12

BI 230 Plant Kingdom (4 cr.)

 

BI 430 Plant Anatomy  (4 cr.)

 

BI 433 Local Flora (2 cr.)

 

BI 434 Plant Ecology (4 cr.)

 

Biology Electives
Any BI course above 220 except for BI 305.

4-6

Other Required Courses

28

CH 111 General Chemistry I*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 112 General Chemistry II*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

Chemistry Electives 200 level or above

8

PH 201, 202 College Physics I and II or

10

PH 220, 221 Introductory Physics I and II

 

*Transfer students may satisfy this requirement with a minimum of 4 credit hours.

 

Zoology Major

Total Credits Required for Degree

124

Liberal Studies

30-40*

Health Promotion

2

Major

44

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

4

BI 222 Animal Physiology or

4

BI 313 Cell Biology

 

BI 312 Genetics

4

BI 315 Evolution

4

BI 421 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) or

3-4

BI 423 Parasitology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 424 General Entomology (4 cr.) or

 

BI 465 Aquatic Insects (4 cr.)

 

BI 322 Vertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) or

3-4

BI 460 Ichthyology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 461 Herpetology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 462 Ornithology (3 cr.) or

 

BI 463 Mammalogy (3 cr.)

 

BI 221 Comparative Anatomy

4

BI 321 Embryology

 

BI 426 Human Histology

 

BI 427 Ecological Animal Physiology

 

Biology Electives
Any BI courses above 220.

4-6

Other Required Courses

28

CH 111 General Chemistry I*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

CH 112 General Chemistry II*
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

Chemistry Electives 200 level or above

8

PH 201, PH 202 College Physics I and II or

10

PH 220, PH 221 Introductory Physics I, II

 

*Transfer students may satisfy this requirement with a minimum of 4 semester hours.

 

Secondary Education Biology Major

Total Credits Required for Degree

145

Liberal Studies

30-40*

Health Promotion

2

Major

40

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 312 Genetics

4

BI 315 Evolution

4

BI 203 Medical Microbiology or

5

BI 303 General Microbiology

 

BI 222 Animal Physiology or

4

BI 313 Cell Biology or

 

BI 431 Plant Physiology

 

Biology Electives

11

Chemistry Electives

18

CH 111 General Chemistry I

5

CH 112 General Chemistry II

5

Chemistry Electives (200 level and above)

8

Physics Electives

10

PH 201 College Physics I
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

PH 202 College Physics II
Satisfies one of the foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirements.

5

Other Required Courses
Choose from the following:

4

GC 100 Physical Geography (4 cr.)

 

GC 225 Introduction to Maps (2 cr.)

 

GC 246 Earth Science (4 cr.)

 

GC 255 Physical Geology (4 cr.)

 

GC 260 Minerals and Rocks (4 cr.)

 

GC 390 Oceanography (2 cr.)

 

AS 103 Observational and Solar System Astronomy (4 cr.)

 

Professional Education

37

ED 201 Introduction to Education

2

ED 231 Teaching and Learning in the Secondary Classroom

4

ED 301 Dimensions of American Education

2

ED 319 Teaching of Reading for Secondary Teachers

3

ED 349 Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in the Secondary School Community

2

MSED 340 Fundamental Concepts in Science

4

MSED 350 Methods and Materials in the Teaching of Science Education

4

ED 361 Special Education and the General Classroom Teacher

2

ED 483 Educational Media and Technology

2

ED 430 Teaching in the Secondary School

11

ED 450 Seminar in Teaching

1

Note: A minor in chemistry is recommended.

*Complete information on the liberal studies requirements and additional graduation requirements, including the health promotion requirement is in the “Liberal Studies Program and Graduation Requirements” section of this bulletin.

 

Minor Programs

Biology Minor

Total Credits Required for Minor

20

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

Biology Electives

12

 

Biology Education Minor

Total Credits Required for Minor

20-29

BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles

4

BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

4

BI 210 Principles of Ecology

4

BI 312 Genetics

4

Biology Electives
Choose from the following:

4-5

BI 202 Human Physiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 222 Animal Physiology (4 cr.)

 

BI 303 General Microbiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 313 Cell Biology (4 cr.)

 

BI 315 Evolution (4 cr.)

 

BI 431 Plant Physiology (4 cr.)

 

MSED 340 Fundamental Concepts in Science*

 

4

MSED 350 Methods and Materials in the Teaching of Science Education*

 

4

*Not required if major is chemistry education, earth science education, physics education or general science education.

 

Human Biology Minor

Total Credits Required for Minor

20-21

BI 201 Human Anatomy

3

BI 202 Human Physiology

5

Biology Electives
Choose from the following:

12-13

BI 203 Medical Microbiology (5 cr.)

 

BI 206 Human Genetics (3 cr.)

 

BI 312 Genetics (4 cr.)

 

BI 321 Embryology (4 cr.)

 

BI 405 Immunology (3 cr.)

 

BI 425 Endocrinology (3 cr.)

 

BI 426 Human Histology (4 cr.)

 

 


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Page created by: Kimber Olli of Northern Michigan University
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Last Updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2003