Biological Sciences Courses | 2025-2026 Academic Catalog | SIU

(University Core Curriculum) Acquaints the student with the role played by genetic information in human development and disease. Discussion topics will include genetics and human diversity, the interaction of genetic information and the environment, the concept of genetic disease, the mechanisms and ethics of gene therapy, and the possibilities of manipulating the genetic material.

Credit Hours: 2

[IAI Course: BIO 910] (University Core Curriculum course) Introductory biology for life science majors covering core topics in biological chemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, and development. Two lectures, one workshop, and one laboratory per week. Restricted to majors in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Fermentation Science, Forestry, Microbiology, Physiology, Plant Biology, Zoology, pre-health. Lab/workshop fee: $55. Credit Hours: 4.

Credit Hours: 4

[IAI Course: BIO 910] (University Core Curriculum course) Introductory biology for life science majors covering foundational topics in evolutionary patterns and processes, biological diversity, and ecology. Two lectures, one workshop, and one laboratory per week. Restricted to majors in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Fermentation Science, Forestry, Microbiology, Physiology, Plant Biology, Zoology, pre-health. Lab/workshop fee: $55. Credit Hours: 4.

Credit Hours: 4

[IAI Course: BIO 910] (University Core Curriculum course) Introductory biology for life science majors covering foundational topics in plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Two lectures, one workshop, and one laboratory per week. Restricted to majors in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Forestry, Microbiology, Physiology, Plant Biology, Zoology, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-optometry, pre-physician assistant, pre-physical therapy, pre-podiatry, pre-veterinary medicine. Lab/workshop fee: $55.

Credit Hours: 4

An introductory survey of evolutionary biology emphasizing basic principles, including historical development of evolutionary theory, the genetic mechanisms of evolution, the processes of adaptation and diversification, and the origin and history of major groups of organisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 200A and BIOL 200B; or BIOL 211 and BIOL 212 with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles of genetics including Mendelism, chromosome behavior, genetic mapping, mutation and allelism, replication, transcription, translation, gene function and regulation, polygenic systems, population genetics and evolution, and genetic applications. Prerequisite: BIOL 200A or BIOL 211; BIOL 200B or BIOL 212 or BIOL 213; CHEM 140A or CHEM 200 or CHEM 200H and CHEM 201; with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

The basic functions of the cell are considered. The biochemical basis and mechanisms of cellular processes, functions of the subcellular structures, and their ramifications will be explored in the context of plant and animal cells. Prerequisites: BIOL 200A or BIOL 211; BIOL 200B or BIOL 212 or BIOL 213; CHEM 140A or CHEM 200 and CHEM 201; with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to the study of interactions between organisms and their environment at the organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Includes discussion of global ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. Prerequisites: BIOL 200A and BIOL 200B, or BIOL 212 and BIOL 213, or PLB 200; CHEM 140A or CHEM 200, and CHEM 201; MATH 106 or 108; with grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Basic principles and processes of embryonic development including contemporary research on molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis; selected plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals will be considered. Prerequisite: BIOL 305 with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

An historical overview of the development of biological knowledge. Prerequisites: BIOL 200A and BIOL 200B, or BIOL 211 and BIOL 212, or BIOL 211 and BIOL 213, or BIOL 212 and BIOL 213 with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 2

Physiological adaptations to environmental conditions in animals and humans. Lab/lecture course explores molecular, hormonal, immunological, developmental, and phenotypic processes mediating responses to factors such as stress, temperature, disease, contaminants, nutrition, and life history trade-offs. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 or PHSL 310 or ZOOL 433 with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

The basic principles of human genetics, from detailed treatment of DNA structure and function to an overview of the human genome and cancer genetics will be covered with emphasis on implications to medical practice. Other major topics include genetic variation, patterns of inheritance, the human genome, genetic screening and risk assessment, and treatment of genetic disorders. Prerequisite: BIOL 305 with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Course Period: Intersession Study Abroad Course, 9 days (Approx. last two weeks of May). Objective: The objectives of this faculty-led global seminar are to explore the biology, culture, and history of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Biological exploration will include snorkeling tours of near shore reef diversity, and on land tours of reptile and avian diversity. Exploration of the culture and history of the Yucatan will include tours of Mayan ruins, regional markets, and culinary tours.

Credit Hours: 3

Readings, writings, presentations, and discussions of current topics in biological science. One hour per week. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to 4th Year standing in Biological Sciences. Credit Hours: 1.

Credit Hours: 1

Supervised training in a formalized program with an institution or agency that conducts biology research or related work. May not be used for minor in Biological Sciences. For internships outside the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), a prospectus from the sponsoring agency with duties and duration of internship must be approved by a SBS faculty supervisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies before registration. No more than three hours per semester may be taken if student is on-campus. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or BIOL 305 or BIOL 306 or BIOL 307 with a grade of C- or better and School approval. Specific internships have specific selection criteria. Of all credits that a student completes for BIOL 491, 492, and 492H, a maximum of three hours may count toward the major.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Supervised individual research in biological sciences. May not be used for a minor in Biological Sciences. Some costs may be borne by student. A proposal describing the research project must be approved by a School of Biological Sciences faculty supervisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies before registration. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or BIOL 305 or BIOL 306 or BIOL 307 with a grade of C- or better, and minimum of 2.75 GPA (A=4.0). Of all credits that a student completes for BIOL 491, 492, and 492H, a maximum of three hours may be counted toward the major. Restricted to 3rd Year or 4th Year standing. Special approval needed from the School. Credit Hours: 1-3.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Supervised individual research in biological sciences. May not be used for minor in Biological Sciences. A proposal describing the research project must be approved by a School of Biological Sciences faculty supervisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies before registration. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or BIOL 305 or BIOL 306 or BIOL 307 with a grade of C- or better, and minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (A=4.00), participation in the University Honors Program, and approval from the School. Of all credits that a student completes for BIOL 491, 492, and 492H, a maximum of three hours may count toward the major. Restricted to 3rd Year or 4th Year standing. Credit Hours: 1-3.

Credit Hours: 1-3