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One of the best ways to discover a degree program is to check out the course listings. By simply clicking on the course titles below, you can get a preview of the classes you will attend as a student at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Core Courses
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BIO-125   Principles of Biology4 Hours
The fundamental principles of genetics, cell development, and structure and function in cells, membranes, and molecules as related to organisms are covered. Representative life processes, organisms, and bio-techniques are studied from the cellular perspective to illustrate biological principles. Emphasis is placed upon man's real progress in coping with the new knowledge of biology and its effects on society's perspective about how the knowledge should be used. Prerequisite: Math SAT 440 or above; SAT I 480 or above; ACT 20 or above; or CHE-110 with a grade of "C" or better. This course fulfills the general education lab requirement. Can be used as foundational in the Biology Minor for Education Majors. Core Course for Biology Majors.
BIO-201   Animal Biology4 Hours
A study of the classification, morphology, physiology, and natural history of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, including their importance to man. Prerequisite: BIO-125 or BIO-111 and BIO-112. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-202   Plant Biology4 Hours
An introduction to plant Biology. Emphasis is placed on plant diversity. Lectures and labs cover Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Lower Vascular Plants, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. Some coverage of structure and development and some physiology. Course also covers plant taxonomy with emphasis on lcoal flora. Consideration is given to how plants impact society ecologically and economically. Course includes a 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO-125. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-301   Ecology3 Hours
An introduction to the principles and methods of plant and animal ecology in the physical environment. Prerequisite: BIO-125 or permission of instructor. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-311   Mammalian Anatomy4 Hours
A study of the anatomy of mammals with emphasis on the anatomy of man. The laboratory work includes the dissection of a mammal. Prerequisites: BIO-125. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-312   General Physiology4 Hours
A study of the basic physiological processes. Consideration is given to all the organ systems of man with special emphasis in the laboratory on the neuromuscular, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Prerequisite: BIO-125. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-351   Cellular Biology3 Hours
An in-depth study of the anatomy and function of animal and plant cells. The elegance and complexity of God's design for this smallest living unit will be revealed through lectures, in-class activities, and various assignments. Prerequisites: BIO-125, CHE-125 and CHE-126. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-412   Genetics3 Hours
An integrated lecture/laboratory course that provides a thorough analysis of the factors governing trait inheritance in plant and animal life. Prerequisite: BIO-125. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-490   Biology Senior Seminar1 Hours
This course is intended to help science majors to synthesize, integrate, and apply their scientific understanding. The course will focus on advanced topics and on the ethical and social implications of science. Some emphasis will be given to research and to written and oral communication skills as used in the sciences. The Major Field Achievement Test in biology may be administered as a part of this course. The course is required of all majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing, science major, and completion of at least one course in the major at or above the 300 level.
42 credit hours
Students are not allowed to register for classes with numbers > 300 if their GPA is below 2.5.

Because the study of biology relies heavily on a solid foundation in chemistry, students are required to take CHE-125 and CHE-126. These two courses fulfill the 10 credit hours in chemistry that are required as part of the Biology major.

Biology Electives

In addition to the biology core and chemistry requirements, the Department of Biology requires all Biology majors to complete five elective courses in biology (a minimum of 12 additional credit hours). Courses may be selected from the following list:
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BIO-203   Environmental Conservation3 Hours
An ecological approach to the study of conservation of natural resources as related to current environmental problems.
BIO-204   Ornithology3 Hours
A study of the morphology, natural history, identification, and conservation of birds. Emphasis placed on field work. Prerequisite: BIO-125.
BIO-213   Microbiology4 Hours
A comprehensive introduction to general microbiology, with an emphasis on microbial structure, physiology, diversity, genetics and growth. Interactions of microorganisms with humans are discussed, including infectious diseases, pathogenesis, host immune defenses, and epidemiology. Laboratory activities include staining techniques, physiological tests, and identification of bacteria. Prerequisite: BIO-125 and CHE-126, passed with grades of "C" or above. Co-requisite: BIO-213L.
BIO-220   Field Biology and Natural History3 Hours
A field course designed to teach recognition of the major macro flora and fauna of the Midwest using both taxonomy and natural history. Emphasis will be placed on recognition of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals indigenous to the area. Recognition of bird songs and amphibian vocalizations will also be stressed. Prerequisite: BIO-125.
BIO-302   Entomology3 Hours
A study of the anatomy, physiology, identification, classification, life cycles, habits, and adaptations of insects. Prerequisite: BIO-125.
BIO-303   Marine Ecology3 Hours
Introduction to marine life, biological communities and ecology. Marine ecosystems will be studied in preparation for the field component in coastal waters. Throughout the course, the ecological and economic importance of marine systems will be discussed. Society's role as stewards of creation is an integral part of class discussion. Course includes lecture and field trip to a coral reef. Prerequisites: BIO-125 and permission of instructor.
BIO-330   Histology3 Hours
This course highlights normal histology and the functional significance of micro anatomical structures. The lab and lecture portions of the course are completely integrated; the amount of time devoted to lecture or lab will vary depending on the particular topic. Prerequisites: BIO-125 and BIO-351.
BIO-396   Advanced Topics in Biology1-3 Hours
A course in advanced topics in biology of current interest. See schedule for specific content. Can be repeated up to 12 hours.
BIO-411   Vertebrate Development4 Hours
Study of the embryonic development of the vertebrates including man, using the frog, the chick, and the pig as types. Prerequisite: BIO-311 or permission of instructor.
BIO-432   Molecular Biology4 Hours
Significantly emphasizing laboratory techniques, this course is designed to follow either CHE-432 or BIO-351. Biomedical research topics that will be discussed and accompanied by hands-on laboratory experiments include recombinant DNA technology/genetic engineering, cloning, and basic bioinformatics.
BIO-440   Immunology3 Hours
A one-semester course which addresses the chemical and structural relationship of antigens and antibodies, the basis for immunological tolerance, T-cell development, B-cell development, autoimmune disease, cancer, and AIDS. Prerequisites: BIO-125 and either BIO-312 or BIO-403.
BIO-495   Research in Biology1-3 Hours
This laboratory-based course is designed for biology majors who plan on graduate-level work in biology or other related medical sciences. Each student will participate in a faculty-led research project in his/her area of interest. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Course may be repeated but only a total of 2 credit hours may be applied toward the Biology Major or minor.
CHE-430   Biological Chemistry I3 Hours
A study of the chemistry of life processes. The first half of the course will focus on the structure and function of macromolecules and primary metabolites. Topics will include amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates and lipds. The second half of the course will focus on major metabolic pathways and their regulation. Designed for chemistry and biology majors who intend to do graduate work related to this area. Prerequisite: CHE-236 (or CHE-235 and permission of instructor).
CHE-432   Biological Chemistry II4 Hours
A continuation course which builds on the fundamental concepts from Biological Chemistry I. Topics will include biosynthesis of different classes of biological molecules including lipids and amino acids as well as nucleic acids and DNA. Protein synthesis, gene regulation and recombinant DNA technologies will also be emphasized. Prerequisite: CHE-430. Co-requisite CHE-432L.
Au Sable courses above 200 are also eligible.

Although not required for the Biology major, it is highly recommended that students planning on applying to any of the various medical or graduate schools in the sciences should consider the following courses:
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CHE-235   Organic Chemistry I4 Hours
A study of the fundamental principles and concepts in organic chemistry. The course begins by focusing on molecular structure, acidity, physical properties of functional groups, and organic nomenclature. These topics form the basis for understanding and planning nucleophilic substitution and elimination reaactions, which are then applied to both synthesis and reactivity of numerous functional groups. The concepts are subsequently applied to addition reactions of alkenes and alkynes. Prerequisites: CHE-126. Co-requisite: CHE-235L.
CHE-236   Organic Chemistry II4 Hours
A study of all the major classes of carbon compounds. First-semester emphasis is on structure and nomenclature with an introduction to elementary reactions and reaction mechanisms. Second-semester emphasis is on reactions, synthesis, and analysis. Prerequisite: CHE-235. Co-requisite: CHE-236L.
PHY-211   General Physics I4 Hours
First part of a two-semester non-calculus introductory course in physics covering mechanics, thermodynamics (heat), and waves. Prerequisite: High school trigonometry or MAT-120. Co-requisite: PHY-211L.
PHY-212   General Physics II4 Hours
Second part of a two-semester non-calculus introductory course in physics covering electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: High school trigonometry or MAT-114. Co-requisite: PHY-212L.
PHY-221   University Physics I4 Hours
Calculus-based introductory physics covering kinematics, dynamics, statics, introductory rotational motion, waves, harmonic motion, and basic heat and thermodynamics. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MAT-253 or equivalent. Co-requisite: PHY-221L.
PHY-222   University Physics II5 Hours
Calculus-based introductory physics covering electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY-221 or equivalent. Co-requisite: PHY-222L and PMD-310.
MAT-253   Calculus I4 Hours
An introduction to differential and integral calculus of a single variable using polynomial, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric elementary functions. A study of the concepts of limit, continuity, derivative, and integral using interdisciplinary applications and computer software. Prerequisite: MAT-120 or equivalent or permission of the Division.
MAT-204   Applied Statistics I3 Hours
An in-depth introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical procedures including graphical and numerical data summary, basic principles of sampling and experimental design, random variables and probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, contingency table analysis, and correlation and regression. Emphasizes conceptual understanding of statistical procedures and their implementation using statistical software. Prerequisite: Math SAT above 460 (Math ACT above 18) or a grade of "C" or above in MAT-104. Students may not earn credit in more than one of MAT-100, MAT-112, or MAT-204.
Requirements for the Biology major (B.S.)

A major in Biology requires 52 credit hours of coursework (42 credit hours in biology and 10 credit hours in chemistry). Only courses numbered 125 and above may be applied toward the major or a minor in Biology. All prerequisite courses require a grade of “C” or better.

To begin taking classes toward the Biology major, students must be eligible to take ENG-120 and have achieved the following: Math SAT I > 480 (or MAT-120); ACT > 21 (or MAT-120).

Biology Minor
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BIO-125   Principles of Biology4 Hours
The fundamental principles of genetics, cell development, and structure and function in cells, membranes, and molecules as related to organisms are covered. Representative life processes, organisms, and bio-techniques are studied from the cellular perspective to illustrate biological principles. Emphasis is placed upon man's real progress in coping with the new knowledge of biology and its effects on society's perspective about how the knowledge should be used. Prerequisite: Math SAT 440 or above; SAT I 480 or above; ACT 20 or above; or CHE-110 with a grade of "C" or better. This course fulfills the general education lab requirement. Can be used as foundational in the Biology Minor for Education Majors. Core Course for Biology Majors.
BIO-201   Animal Biology4 Hours
A study of the classification, morphology, physiology, and natural history of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, including their importance to man. Prerequisite: BIO-125 or BIO-111 and BIO-112. Core course for Biology Majors.
BIO-490   Biology Senior Seminar1 Hours
This course is intended to help science majors to synthesize, integrate, and apply their scientific understanding. The course will focus on advanced topics and on the ethical and social implications of science. Some emphasis will be given to research and to written and oral communication skills as used in the sciences. The Major Field Achievement Test in biology may be administered as a part of this course. The course is required of all majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing, science major, and completion of at least one course in the major at or above the 300 level.
24 credit hours
Students are also required to take 15 credit hours of Biology electives at or above the 200 level.

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Preview your classes

Core Courses

Biology Electives

Requirements for the Biology major (B.S.)

Biology Minor