Courses of Study - William Jewell College

Courses of Study – Biology
Biology
Monte Harmon Professor of Biology D.
Heruth, chair ; Associate Professors T.
Allen, P. Klawinski; Assistant Professor
S. Falke.
The Department of Biology offers a bachelor of arts
degree in biology. Those who select biology as a second
major must complete all requirements for the
bachelor of arts degree. Upon completion of a biology
major a student will have been exposed, through
comprehensive introductory biology courses and a
selection of advanced courses, to a broad biology
background while having had the opportunity to
explore specific areas of interest through a senior
thesis project. A degree in biology would allow a
student career options in such fields as education,
research, medicine, biotechnology, conservation,
and industry either through immediate entry into
the career or further study at the graduate level.
The department also offers opportunities for study
outside the traditional major. Those interested in
careers in health-related fields may add a pre-physical
therapy concentration or earn a bachelor of science
degree in clinical laboratory science with
emphasis in biology. For those interested in applied
professions relating to the environment, William
Jewell offers a three-two program with Duke
University leading to a master of forestry degree or a
master of environmental management degree.
Applicants for this liberal arts-environment program
should so indicate at the time of enrollment in college.
Details of the program are available in the biology
department.
Students majoring in biology may receive certification
to teach biology in grades 9-12 in the state of
Missouri by double majoring in biology and secondary
education. Procedures to be followed in obtaining
teacher certification are included in the Student
Handbook for Teacher Certification. Specific course
requirements for all certification programs may be
found on check sheets available in the education
department office.
Required for a bachelor of arts degree in biology
are the following:
1. Admission to the department:
Completion of three biology classes of at least 4
24
credit hours each including BIO 133 and 134 or the
equivalent; G.P.A. minimum of 2.5 in biology and
2.5 overall; a formal application including selfassessment
form.
2. Courses in major:
I. Core courses: BIO 133, 134, 135, 233,
and 234.
II. One course from each of the following
groupings. Must include at least three 300-
400 level courses. BIO 243, Human
Anatomy, and BIO 250, Human Physiology,
may not be taken to satisfy the requirements
for a biology major.
A. Botany: BIO 310 or 444
B. Zoology: BIO 250, 312, or 351
C. Cell and Molecular: BIO 321, 352, 450,
or 452
D. Field: BIO 309, 357, or 453
III. Senior Thesis: Three credit research project
(BIO 360, 361, 460, 461); must have G.P.A.
minimum of 2.5 in biology and 2.5 overall
to begin project, and complete a thesis to
graduate with a major in biology.
3. Courses in cognate fields:
Chemistry: Minimum–CHE 122 or equivalent;
organic chemistry strongly recommended.
Physics: Minimum–one semester at least at
the PHY 111 level; two semesters of physics
strongly recommended.
Math: Minimum–GEN 103 or 104; at least one
semester of calculus strongly recommended.
Only grades of C- or higher will be accepted as
satisfying the biology major requirements.
Transfer students must complete a minimum of
twelve hours in biology courses at William
Jewell College toward the major.
133. Evolution and Ecology. 4 cr. hrs. This is the
first of a four semester introductory sequence of
courses for the biology major and introduces students
to the topics of evolution and ecology. The
principles of ecology are studied from the individual
to ecosystem level. The principles of evolution are
examined, including macro and micro evolutionary
processes. The course includes one laboratory session
each week. Required of all biology majors.
Co-requisite: BIO 135. Fall semester.