Department of Natural Science

  • JESSICA L. SORRELLS, chair
  • DOUGLAS JENSEN, director

 

 

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

BIO 105: HUMAN BIOLOGY

Credits 4

Not accepted for major or minor credit. A study of the principles of biology focusing on human issues, including diseases, impact of human population on ecosystems, physiological functions of the human body, and role of biotechnology in our society. The ethical aspects of various issues will be discussed. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee.

Student cannot take BIO 105 and BIO 106.

Notes

Elective credit

GEP before 2025: Natural Science

Converse Core: Natural Sciences

BIO 106: BIOLOGY OF HUMANS

Credits 3

Not accepted for Biology major or minor credit. This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biology focusing on humans as biological creatures. Topics include anatomy and physiology, physical fitness, nutrition, genetics, health, disease, human evolution, and human ecology. Lecture only. Meets the GEP requirements for Natural Science and Wellness.

Student cannot take BIO 105 and BIO 106.

Notes

GEP Natural Science, Elective credit.

BIO 112: HUMAN BODY AND FUNCTIONS

Credits 4

This course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of how the human body functions. Topics include its levels of organization and the structure and function of the major organ systems. This course is not acceptable in programs requiring two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology (e.g., Pre-Nursing, Pre-Med, and most Allied-Health Professions programs).  Not accepted for Biology major and minor credits. Lab Fee.

Notes

Elective 

GEP before 2025: Natural Science

Converse Core: Natural Sciences

BIO 120: SPRING FLORA

Credits 4

This course introduces students to the variety of plants that live locally and form much of the spring bloom. Lectures will cover a broad range of general botany and ecology topics. Weekly laboratories will be held outdoors at a variety of plant habitats. Students will learn many of the local plants during laboratory, and they will perform field experiments and collect ecological data. Lecture and laboratory. Not accepted for major or minor credit. Lab fee.

Notes

Elective credit

GEP before 2025: Natural Science

Converse Core: Natural Sciences

BIO 125: FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR

Credits 3 4

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

Notes

GEP before 2025: Natural Science

Converse Core: Natural Sciences

BIO 150: SPECIAL TOPICS

Credits 3 4

Selected topics in introductory level biology.  Four hour course will have a laboratory component. Some offerings may be eligible for major or minor credit. Special topic: Human Nutrition will meet the GEP requirement for wellness. Lab Fee.

Notes

GEP before 2025: Natural Science non lab, Health and Wellness

Converse Core: Natural Sciences

 

 

BIO 190: INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE I

Credits 4

This is a general introduction to biology for all students, non-majors and potential majors. It serves as a natural science general education class. The course covers concepts and principles in the areas of organismal biology evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Lab Fee.

Notes

Major, Minor, Elective credit

GEP before 2025: Natural Science

Converse Core: Natural Sciences

BIO 191: INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE II

Credits 4

This is a general introduction to biology for all students, non-majors and potential majors. It serves as a natural science general education class. The course covers concepts and principles in the areas of genetics (heredity and molecular biology), cell structure and function (Metabolism), and other areas. Lab Fee.

Notes

Major, Minor, Elective credit.

BIO 205: HUMAN ANATOMY

Credits 4

A study of both gross and microscopic anatomy of the organ systems of the human body with emphasis on the relationship between form and function. The laboratory portion will involve study of the anatomy of all the organ systems using models, histological slides and skeletal materials, as well as dissection of preserved non-human mammals. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring terms or as needed. Students may not receive academic credit for both BIO 205 or BIO 305.

Prerequisites

BIO 190 OR BIO 191 OR Consent

Notes

Major, Minor, Elective credit.