
The Biology Department offers a variety of courses including General Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Zoology, Microbiology and Genetics. There are courses set up specifically for programs such as the Mayo Health-Related Programs as well as courses to satisfy the lab requirement for non-science programs. All Biology courses include both lecture and lab experience for the best hands-on training. A list of courses with catalog descriptions follows.
The instructors in the Biology Department are enthusiastic and ready to teach the students principles and procedures using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. They have a wide range of credentials and are able to share how the students' education will be necessary in their future careers.
Biology Course Offerings
BIOL 1100
Environmental Biology
A one-semester course for non-science majors. Introduces students
to applied aspects of enviromental science. Provides students
with a broad overview of the concepts of ecology, systems and
interrelationships among organisms and their physical environment,
and current issues in environmental studies. Students will examine
humans' role in the natural world and the impact of the growth
of the human population and the increase in humans' technological
ability to make changes in the world. Students will be encouraged
to explore societal, political, economic and personal value systems
with regard to environmental issues. (Prerequisites: College level
reading and writing). (3 C/2 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: Goal2/CT, Goal
3/NS, Goal 10/PN.
BIOL 1101
Elements of Biology
A one-semester course for non-science majors. Blends
traditional and contemporary biological concepts for understanding
life in today's world. The nature of life, cell structure
and function, asexual and sexual reproduction, Mendelian inheritance,
human genetic analysis, genetic technology and evolution are covered. Students
will evaluate some of the modern genetic and biotechnology appoications
as to the ethical issues involved. This course will meet the needs
of students preparing for further study in biological or health-related
fields, and will serve as a general education science course for
those students interested in the cellular aspects of biology.
(Prerequisites: 12th Grade reading and writhing skills.
Appropriate score on RCTC placement test or completion of appropriate
developmental course with a grade of Cor better)). (3 C/2
lect, 2 lab). MNTC: Goal 2/ CT, Goal 3/NS, Goal 9/EC..
BIOL 1102
Plant Biology
This course teaches the fundamentals of plant biology, focusing
of the various types of plants and the basic anatomy and physiology
of plants. The course is also designed to promote anawareness
of the significance of plants in the matural processes of our
biosphere and specifically for humans. Students will be challenged
to think about the importance of plants in decision making, from
individual, ethical choices to social, economic, and political
policy making. (Prerequistites: High school biology or BIOL 1101
or equivalent). (3 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: 2/
CT, 3/NS, 10/PN.
BIOL 1107
Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology
This course is a one-semester study of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Special emphasis on understanding vocabulary and terminology is made. Appropriate combining forms, prefixes and suffixes will be learned as each of the component body systems is studied. The course deals with clinical procedures, practical applications and pathology. Analysis of current health care and related social issues will be discussed. Laboratory sessions will correlate to lecture material and will include microscope work, computer work as well as dissection of animal specimens. (Prerequisites: None). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
BIOL 1110
Human Biology
This course is a one-semester study of the biology of the human body. Each of the component systems will be studied in order to develop an understanding of how each part contributes to the whole. This knowledge will be applied to the analysis of current health and social issues. Laboratory sessions are designed to correlate with lecture topics. Dissection of appropriate animal specimens is included. (Prerequisites: High school biology - 1 year or BIOL 1101). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
BIOL 1127
Principles of Anatomy & Physiology I
Part 1 of the 2-semester anatomy and physiology sequence covers cell structure and function, tissues, chemistry as it relates to biological sciences, the integumentary, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This course also includes a special emphasis on understanding medical terminology. Appropriate combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes will be learned for each of the body systems. This sequence is designed for students who have been admitted to the Mayo Clinic Radiography Program. (Prerequisites: Enrollment in Radiography program). (3 C/2 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
BIOL 1128 Principles
of Anatomy & Physiology II
Part 2 of the 2-semester anatomy and physiology sequence covers the autonomic nervous system, special senses, endocrine system, digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, urinary system and reproductive system. This sequence is designed for students who have been admitted to the Mayo Clinic Radiography Program. (Prerequisites: Enrollment in Radiography program and BIOL 1127). (3 C/2 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
BIOL 1217
Anatomy & Physiology I
Part I of the two-semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence covers cell structure and function, tissues, chemistry as it relates to biological sciences, the integumentary, the musculoskeletal systems and the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. This sequence is designed for students in the following programs: Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Clinical Neurophysiology, Pre-Physical Therapy and other pre-professional programs. (Prerequisites: High school chemistry or CHEM 1101 or equivalent, and high school biology or BIOL 1101 or equivalent). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
BIOL 1218
Anatomy & Physiology II
Part II of the two-semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence covers the nervous, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. (Prerequisites: CHEM 1117, BIOL 1217). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
BIOL 1220
Concepts of Biology
A study of the biochemical and structural basis of life including cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, origins and evolution of life, community interactions and ecosystems. Intended for biology majors and individuals majoring in forestry, agriculture, conservation, medicine, veterinary medicine, recreation, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy, home economics and dentistry. (Prerequisites: High school chemistry, or CHEM 1101 or equivalent, and high school biology or BIOL 1101 or equivalent). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS, PN.
BIOL 1230 Survey
of Life Forms
A study of the diversity of plants and animals including the anatomical and physiological study of select organisms. Intended for biology majors and individuals majoring in forestry, agriculture, conservation, medicine, veterinary medicine, recreation, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy, home economics and dentistry. (Prerequisites: High school cheimstry, CHEM 101 or equivalent; and high school biology, BIOL 1101 or equivalent). (4 C/3lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS, PN.
BIOL 2021
General Microbiology
This course covers basic microbiological principles and the nature of the host-pathogen relationship. The course is intended primarily for students preparing for programs in nursing (2 yr. and 4 yr. degree programs), medical technology, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, medicine, dental hygiene and medical laboratory technology. (Prerequisites: BIOL 1217 or equivalent college course and CHEM 1117 or equivalent college course). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
BIOL 2200
General Zoology
This is a survey course of the classification, evolution, ecology, anatomy and physiology of animals. Intended for biology majors and majors in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and other preprofessional courses involving biological implications. (Prerequisites: BIOL 1220 or BIOL 1230). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS, PN.
BIOL 2300
Genetics
This course presents the fundamental concepts of classical transmission genetics and modern molecular genetics. Topics include Mendelian genetics, linkage and mapping, human genetics, population genetics, control of gene expression, genetic engineering and nucleic acid analysis. (Prerequisites: BIOL 1220). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
Biology Instructors
- Dr. Barbara Beck,
- Dr. Terry Brown,
- Mr. Steve Cole,
- Ms. Jaime Malcore,
- Mr. Randy Renken,
- Dr. Jennifer Rubin,
- Mr. James Stegge
For instructors' credentials, class schedules and class syllabi, please click the instructors' name.
