You’ll find research and fieldwork are a logical extension of our biology curriculum and an integral part of our academic culture.

Biology Course Offerings

BIOL 105 Human Biology and Society (Core: PN)
Human biology includes discussion and study of selected topics in biology of particular relevance to humans and to human health and disease. Topics include the biology of human cells and selected organ systems; exercise physiology; cancer biology, early detection and prevention; genetics and genetic diseases; cardiovascular disease; the immune system and immunologic diseases such as AIDS; human nutrition and nutritional effects; and microbial human diseases. Each unit of study will include references to human evolution, human impact on society and the environment, and how each of these factors has played a role in shaping human health and the health-care system. Laboratories will include the application of experimental methods and techniques for understanding the relationship between cell structure and function; exploration into human health; and the effect of humans on the environment.

BIOL 106 Humans and the Environment (Core: PN)
This course is an introduction to cell- and systems-level biology in humans and other animals that will allow students to understand how our activity affects our own biology and that of other organisms, with a focus on topics such as sustainability, environmental protection and social responsibility in the face of advancing science relating to advances in manufacturing, medicine/pharmaceuticals and genetic engineering.

BIOL 107 Human Evolution, Extinction and Scientific Thinking (Core: WT)
This is a problem-oriented course focusing on human evolution and variation. It includes a consideration of the interaction between biological and cultural factors in human evolution and a critical examination of theories of evolutionary changes from a paleontological perspective. It provides a detailed examination of human evolution through a discussion of the fossil record, associated archaeological material (such as stone tool technology and rock art) and the theories used to explain this evidence. The course will provide a broad overview of these important topics. Other topics such as hominin dispersals, the origin of modern humans and prehistoric colonization will be treated in greater detail. There will be laboratory sessions examining, describing and discussing hominin skeletal material and associated archaeological evidence.

BIOL 108 Biodiversity (Core: PN)
This course is designed to introduce students to the amazing diversity of organisms in our world. Students will discuss how organisms within this diversity survive, function, reproduce and behave in their natural environment. In addition, students will learn how environmental change, both natural and human-caused, affects diversity. Meanwhile, the class will explore interesting questions scientists ask about diversity. Ultimately, each student will leave this course with an enhanced appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth, an understanding of how this diversity has arisen, an awareness of the effects of humans on diversity, an understanding of how scientists ask and answer questions, and an understanding of the complex interactions that take place within biological communities.

BIOL 120 General Biology 1
A lecture and laboratory study of living systems with particular emphasis on the molecular, cellular and tissue levels of organization in plants, animals and prokaryotes. Genetic mechanisms and aspects of development are included. Fall semester. Note: BIOL 120 and BIOL 121 are considered an introductory sequence for biology majors in both the biomedical and organismal concentrations in biology and are recommended for pre-professional students who desire an emphasis in biological sciences, and does not fulfill the Core PN requirement.

BIOL 121 General Biology 2
A lecture and laboratory study of living organisms with emphasis on heterotrophic protists, plants, fungi and animals. Evolutionary theory and processes, morphology, taxonomy, physiology, ecology and diversity are covered in detail. Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Spring semester. Note: BIOL 120 and BIOL 121 are considered an introductory sequence for biology majors in both the biomedical and organismal concentrations in biology and are recommended for pre-professional students who desire an emphasis in biological sciences; they do not fulfill the Core PN requirement.

BIOL 201 Botany
A lecture and laboratory course that concentrates on the study of plant structure and function. Topics discussed include plant growth and development, metabolism, reproduction and response to the environment. The principles of plant biotechnology are also introduced. Lectures emphasize plant physiology while lab exercises concentrate on plant morphology and structure (gross and microscopic examinations). Labs include some plant physiology and tissue culture experiences, introduction to taxonomy and the major plant groups. Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Fall or spring semester.

BIOL 215 Human Anatomy and Physiology (Nursing students only)

BIOL 220 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A lecture and laboratory course that includes a comparative study of vertebrate morphology with an emphasis on the functional significance of structure. A systemic approach is used beginning with an overview, principles of evolution and basic developmental biology. Laboratories involve dissecting representative organisms from the major vertebrate groups and studying skeletal preparations. Prerequisite: BIOL 121. Fall semester.

BIOL 228 Ecology
A lecture and laboratory course on the relationships of plants and animals to one another and to their biotic and physical environment. Field trips and laboratory work provide first-hand knowledge of organisms and their ecological significance in the De Pere area. Prerequisite: grade of “C” or better in BIOL 121. Required for biology majors in the Organismal Biology concentration. Fall semester.

BIOL 244 Genetics (Required for all biology majors)
A lecture and laboratory course demonstrating the basic principles of gene structure, gene action and gene transmission as found in various organisms. Topics covered include DNA structure, replication, transcription and translation, recombinant DNA technology, bacterial genetics and genome structure. Laboratory exercises include DNA electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial transformation and inheritance in both Drosophila and plants. Prerequisites: grade of “C” or better in BIOL 120, BIOL 121.

BIOL 250 Introductory Microbiology (Nursing students only)
A lecture and laboratory course designed for students in the BCON nursing program dealing with the basics of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Topics covered include bacterial structure and function, metabolism, basic molecular biology and the essentials of the host-microbe interaction. An emphasis is placed on aspects of microbiology important to the allied health professions. Laboratory work focuses on the culture, staining and identification of bacteria. Prerequisite: BIOL 120.

BIOL 310 Tropical Biology

BIOL 320 Human Anatomy and Histology

BIOL 325 Developmental Biology

BIOL 338 Limnology

BIOL 350 Microbiology
A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the study of viruses, their interaction with their hosts and their effect on the environment. Themes include pathogenicity of viruses, vaccination and emerging viruses. In addition, a special topic relating to recent scientific findings will be chosen on a yearly basis. Lab includes the preparation of media, and the isolation, detection, cultivation, and characterization of viruses. Prerequisite: grade of “C” or better in BIOL 244.

BIOL 353 Biotechnology in a Global Society

BIOL 360 Medical Microbiology

BIOL 361 Virology

BIOL 365 Immunology

BIOL 368 Parasitology

BIOL 371 Cellular Physiology

BIOL 372 Systemic Physiology
A lecture and laboratory course concentrating on the function of organ systems and their role in the entire organism. Emphasis is placed on integration and control mechanisms. Topics covered include neurophysiology, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and muscle physiology. Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 220, CHEM 220.

BIOL 373 Molecular Biology

BIOL 375 The Biology of the Cancer Cell

BIOL 385 Endocrinology

BIOL 386 Neuroscience

BIOL 388 Mammalogy
A study of mammals with emphasis on principles of mammalian ecology, conservation and biodiversity. Topics include characteristics of mammals, classification, natural history, ecology, biodiversity, conservation and techniques in field study. Special emphasis will be given to mammals residing in Northeastern Wisconsin. Prerequisite: BIOL 121.

BIOL 390 Ichthyology

BIOL 428 Advanced Ecology

BIOL 430 Paleobiology

BIOL 460 Biology Seminar

BIOL 489 Special Topics

BIOL 490 Independent Study

BIOL 492 Directed Research

BIOL 496 Research and Thesis

Faculty Perspective



Deborah Anderson
Associate professor of biology