Excellence in education and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Areas of Study
Biology
Bachelor of Science
Biology is the study of life. The Biology major is designed to awaken the student’s interest in the living world; develop scientific habits and methods in the pursuit of knowledge; and train the student in preparation for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, research, teaching and other technical or biological vocations.
The Biology Department offers two tracks towards a baccalaureate degree. The traditional track broadly prepares the student to excel in a wide range of careers that are available in academia, government or the private sector. The pre-health professions track provides students with the appropriate preparation for medical, dental, and veterinary medicine, physician assistant (PA) and physical therapy programs, and the background to succeed in a graduate program leading to a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences. The program contains the basic science and mathematics components required for application to any of the above listed health professions, in addition to the University’s core curriculum requirements.
Upon the completion of the biology program, students will demonstrate proficiency in:
- Understanding the principles & concepts fundamental to biology
- Performing laboratory techniques appropriate for entry-level biologists
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Oral and written communication
Biology majors must have an overall Biology GPA at or above 2.0 and a D or better in all required Biology courses to graduate. Additionally, all Biology majors must have a grade point average at or above 2.0 in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Math and Physics) at the completion of their sophomore year in order to take upper-level (300-level and above) courses in Biology. Students who do not meet this requirement are not permitted to register for upper-level biology courses until their grade point average in the natural sciences is at or above 2.0. In 400-level elective courses that have a laboratory component, the laboratory component (1 credit) is required and may not be audited or taken as pass/fail.
No Biology major may receive Biology credit for a course that has been taken as an audit or as pass/fail. Laboratory instruction is a necessary component; therefore, no Biology student may audit or pass/fail any Biology laboratory course, regardless of whether the credits are needed to graduate. No high school or AP course can be used to place out of a course at or above a 200-level. If a student wishes to use high school or AP courses to place out of a 100-level course, then the student must do so in the freshman year and have earned a score of 4. This will permit placing out of BIOL 120 or 125, but not 130.
Requirements
Core Curriculum
33-35 cr
The Wheeling University core curriculum provides all students, regardless of their major, with the skills that will allow them to pursue their own integral development and to contribute to the common good. All Wheeling University students must complete this Core Curriculum in addition to the requirements of their major. View Core Curriculum »
Major
57-58 cr
Biology | 37 cr
BIOL 120
Evolutionary and Ecological Biology: The Dynamic Environment
3 cr
An exploration of how living things relate to each other in both space (ecology) and time (evolution). Included is an overview of the history and diversity of life on earth, an examination of representatives of various taxonomic groups as well as a study of taxonomy itself. BIOL 120, 108 and 109 are required for Biology majors, and may be completed in any order.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
BIOL 125
The Form & Function of Biological Organisms
3 cr
An overview of the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, with an emphasis on human structures. The interrelationships of the hierarchical levels of biological organization will be discussed. BIOL 120, 108 and 109 are required for Biology majors, and may be completed in any order.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
BIOL 130
Cells and Chromosomes
3 cr
An exploration of variations on the themes of biology at the cellular level, including subcellular architecture and ultrastructure; metabolism; molecular biology; cell signaling; cellular reproduction; and an introduction into the concepts of genetics and development. Since this course will involve the examination of living systems at the molecular level, this course should only be taken after students have had at least one semester of college-level chemistry. Students should have had a successful experience in chemistry at the college level prior to taking BIOL 130.
Prerequisite: CHEM 142. Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
BIOL 140
The Methods of Biology Lab
1 cr
(Is required of all biology majors in conjunction with BIOL 120, 125 or 130) This fall semester lab is meant to accompany the general biology lectures. The lab is designed to provide intensive training in laboratory techniques that are involved in cell biology. Laboratory exercises include microscopy, genetics, enzymology, biological chemistry and animal behavior. Students will also gain experience in developing critical thinking skills, scientific writing, computer applications and statistical analysis of data.
Course Offered: Every Fall
BIOL 135
General Biology II Laboratory
1 cr
(Is required of all biology majors in conjunction with BIOL 120, 125 or 130) This is the spring semester lab that is meant to accompany biology lectures. Topics include numerous dissections, taxonomic identifications, a systematic survey of the five kingdoms and ecological studies.
Course Offered: Every Spring
BIOL 215
Ecology
3 cr
Ecology is an introduction to biological organization at the population, community, and ecosystem level. This course explores the interrelatedness of the biological, chemical, and physical world. Topics include experimental design, mathematical modeling, climate, water balance, energy flow, nutrient cycling, adaptation, community succession, and symbiosis.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120, 125, 130 Course Offered: Fall of every odd year
BIOL 216
Ecology Laboratory
1 cr
Ecology Laboratory involves the practice of designing field experiments for measuring plant and animal communities. In this course students will compile databases, conduct statistical analyses, and present the results of field experiments in both written and oral formats. Field trips and field work are required.
Corequisite: BIOL 315 Prerequisite: BIOL 120 Course Offered: Fall of every odd year
BIOL 340
Cellular and Molecular Biology
3 cr
A detailed exploration of the physical and chemical processes and the ultrastructure underlying the functional activities of cells; aspects of molecular biology, immunology, programmed cell death, signaling systems and gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120, BIOL 125, BIOL 130, and CHEM 231 Corequisite: BIOL 341 Course Offered: Every Spring
BIOL 341
Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory
1 cr
Extensive use of basic and advanced instrumentation and the development of laboratory skills in the physiological and biochemical study of the activities of cells and organelles. Topics include subcellular fractionation, techniques used in cell and tissue culture research, and the isolation, purification and characterization of biological macromolecules. Special emphasis is placed on the evaluation and interpretation of lab data, correlation with library research and presentation of data in a scientific report format.
Corequisite: BIOL 340 Course Offered: Every Spring
BIOL Electives: five 300-400-level electives (must include at least 3 laboratory courses, 2 must be 400 level)**
18 cr
Chemistry | 16 cr
CHEM 141
General Chemistry I
3 cr
Modern concepts of atomic structure and chemical properties, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. Satisfies the general chemistry requirements for chemistry and biology majors as well as prerequisites for medical, veterinary and other health related graduate programs. Placement into MATH 151 or higher required. A drop or withdrawal in the lecture must be matched by a drop or withdrawal in the corresponding laboratory course.
Corequisite: CHEM 142 Course Offered: Every Fall
CHEM 142
General Chemistry Lab I
1 cr
Qualitative and quantitative studies of chemical systems. Introduction to basic synthetic and instrumental chemical methods.
Required: placement into MATH 151 or higher Corequisite: CHEM 141
CHEM 151
General Chemistry II
3 cr
Modern concepts of atomic structure and chemical properties, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. Satisfies the general chemistry requirements for chemistry and biology majors as well as prerequisites for medical, veterinary and other health related graduate programs. A drop or withdrawal in the lecture must be matched by a drop or withdrawal in the corresponding laboratory course.
Prerequisites: CHEM 141/142 Corequisite: CHEM 152 Course Offered: Every Fall
CHEM 152
General Chemistry Lab II
1 cr
Qualitative and quantitative studies of chemical systems. Introduction to basic synthetic and instrumental chemical methods.
Prerequisites: CHEM 141/142 Corequisite: CHEM 151 Course Offered: Every Spring
CHEM 221
Organic Chemistry I
4 cr
The study of the structure and reactions of organic compounds as described by modern theories of bonding and reactivity.
Prerequisites: CHEM 151 CHEM 152 Corequisite: CHEM 222 Course Offered: Every Fall
CHEM 231
Organic Chemistry II
4 cr
The study of the structure and reactions of organic compounds as described by modern theories of bonding and reactivity.
Prerequisites: CHEM 221 and CHEM 222 Corequisite: CHEM 232 Course Offered: Every Spring
Math and Physics | 7-8 cr
MATH 151***
Pre-Calculus
3 cr
A thorough preparation for calculus with analytic geometry, including conic sections, and the transcendental functions: logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
MATH 191***
Calculus I
4 cr
A theoretical introduction to differential calculus including limits, continuity, the basic rules for derivatives and applications including optimization problems. A brief introduction to integration leading to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus completes this course.
Prerequisite: MATH 151 or equivalent. Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
PHYS 141
Physics I
3 cr
To be taken concurrently with PHYS 142. An algebra-based introduction to the concepts and methods of physics: I; Kinematics and Newtonian Mechanics in 1 -d, Work and Energy, Gases, Fluids, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics: II; Newtonian Mechanics in 2-d, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, Sound and Optics. Students need to have good algebra skills and basic Trigonometry.
Course Offered: Every Fall
PHYS 142
Physics Lab I
1 cr
To be taken concurrently with PHYS 141. Experiments designed to supplement the lecture course and to provide proficiency in the methods of measurements, the analysis and presentation of data and the interpretation of results.
Course Offered: Every Fall
Electives
27-30 cr****
Total Credits
120 cr
*Biology majors may double count up to two courses (6-8 credits) in the Core and the Major.
**For Pre-med, students should take the following BIOL Electives:
BIOL 210, 211 Genetics with Laboratory 4 cr
BIOL 320, 321 Vertebrate Biology and Laboratory 4 cr
BIOL 330 Developmental Biology 3 cr
BIOL 414 Biochemistry 3 cr
BIOL 440, 441 Microbiology with Laboratory 4 cr
***Students should take Pre-Calculus or Calculus
****For Pre-med, students should take the following electives:
CHEM 232: Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 1 cr
PHYS 241, 242: General Physics II with Laboratory 4 cr
MATH 204: Statistics 3 cr
Biology 4-Year Plan of Study
Year 1
Fall
BIOL 125
3cr
BIOL 140
1cr
CHEM 141/142
4cr
WJUS 101 (Core)
3cr
Elective or MATH 101
3cr
Total Credits
14cr
Spring
BIOL 120
3cr
BIOL 135
1cr
CHEM 151/152
4cr
Core
3cr
MATH 151 or 191
3-4cr
Total Credits
14-15cr
Year 2
Fall
BIOL 130
3cr
*BIOL 3xx Elective/Lab
4cr
CHEM 221/222
5cr
Core
3cr
Total Credits
15cr
Spring
BIOL 3xx Elective/Lab
3-4cr
CHEM 231
4cr
Core
3cr
Core
3cr
Total Credits
14-15cr
Year 3
Fall
BIOL 3xx Elective/Lab
3-4cr
PHYS 141/142
4cr
Core
3cr
Elective
3cr
Total Credits
14-15cr
Spring
BIOL 340/341
4cr
Core
3cr
Core
3cr
Elective
3cr
Elective
3cr
Total Credits
16cr
Year 4
Fall
BIOL 4xx Elective/Lab
4cr
Core
3cr
Elective
3cr
Elective
3cr
Elective
2cr
Total Credits
15cr
Spring
BIOL 4xxx Elective/Lab
4cr
Core
3cr
Elective
3cr
Elective
3cr
Elective
2cr
Total Credits
15cr
Biology Minor
Biology minors must complete the following courses (21-23 credits)
BIOL 120
Evolutionary and Ecological Biology: The Dynamic Environment
3 cr
An exploration of how living things relate to each other in both space (ecology) and time (evolution). Included is an overview of the history and diversity of life on earth, an examination of representatives of various taxonomic groups as well as a study of taxonomy itself. BIOL 120, 108 and 109 are required for Biology majors, and may be completed in any order.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
BIOL 125
The Form & Function of Biological Organisms
3 cr
An overview of the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, with an emphasis on human structures. The interrelationships of the hierarchical levels of biological organization will be discussed. BIOL 120, 108 and 109 are required for Biology majors, and may be completed in any order.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
BIOL 130
Cells and Chromosomes
3 cr
An exploration of variations on the themes of biology at the cellular level, including subcellular architecture and ultrastructure; metabolism; molecular biology; cell signaling; cellular reproduction; and an introduction into the concepts of genetics and development. Since this course will involve the examination of living systems at the molecular level, this course should only be taken after students have had at least one semester of college-level chemistry. Students should have had a successful experience in chemistry at the college level prior to taking BIOL 130.
Prerequisite: CHEM 142. Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
BIOL 135
General Biology II Laboratory
1 cr
(Is required of all biology majors in conjunction with BIOL 120, 125 or 130) This is the spring semester lab that is meant to accompany biology lectures. Topics include numerous dissections, taxonomic identifications, a systematic survey of the five kingdoms and ecological studies.
Course Offered: Every Spring
BIOL 140
The Methods of Biology Lab
1 cr
(Is required of all biology majors in conjunction with BIOL 120, 125 or 130) This fall semester lab is meant to accompany the general biology lectures. The lab is designed to provide intensive training in laboratory techniques that are involved in cell biology. Laboratory exercises include microscopy, genetics, enzymology, biological chemistry and animal behavior. Students will also gain experience in developing critical thinking skills, scientific writing, computer applications and statistical analysis of data.
Course Offered: Every Fall
*Two Biology 300- or 400-level electives 6-8 cr
**In addition, the Biology minor requires the following coursework in Chemistry and Math:
2 semesters of General Chemistry (CHEM 141/142, 151/152) and one semester of Pre-Calculus (MATH 151) or Calculus (MATH 191).