Biology

Contact Information
Jim Nichols, Chair
ACU Box 27868
Abilene, Texas 79699-7868
Foster Science Building, Room 477

Phone: 325-674-2188
Fax: 325-674-2009
Email: nicholsj@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/biology

Majors: Biology (BA)
             Biology(BS)
             Life Science (One-Field Teacher
                  Certification Grades 8-12) (BS)

Minor: Biology

Other Page Link:
Cooperative Bachelor of Science Degrees (BS)

Faculty
Daniel K. Brannan, Professor
Patricia Hernandez, Professor
Tom Lee, Professor
Rebecca Hunter, Assistant Professor

Charles Mattis, Associate Professor
James R. Nichols, Professor
Thomas J. Pirtle, Assistant Professor

Course Descriptions
Please see the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. Au Sable Institute courses are designated in the course descriptions. Courses offered by the Department of Biology include those with the following designation: BIOL.

The Department of Biology offers the Bachelor of Science degree and the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biology or biology for teacher certification. The department works with the Department of Teacher Education to offer a Bachelor of Science: High School Certification Life Science (Grades 8-12) degree. A minor in biology may be added to other majors.

Introduction

The Department of Biology educates students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world by preparing them to become biological scientists, pre-college teachers and health-care professionals. The Bachelor of Science: High School Certification Life Science (Grades 8-12) is the avenue for preparation of pre-college teachers. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in biology are the avenues for:

Cellular/molecular biology emphasis. Much of modern biology exists at the interface of biology and chemistry. Through effective classes, laboratories and research opportunities the Department of Biology effectively draws students to the molecular/biochemical level of life. Many students in health-care professions also choose this emphasis.
Organismal biology/field emphasis. An array of field biology oriented courses, research opportunities, and field trips to such sites as Honduras, Big Bend, Texas, and New Mexico offer study experiences in marine, fresh water, and land ecosystems. These opportunities are supplemented by ACU being a participating university with the Au Sable Institute. Au Sable offers field courses in the beautiful north woods country of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound between Vancouver and Seattle. Au Sable’s mission is “the integration of knowledge of the creation with biblical principles for the purpose of bringing the Christian community and the general public to a better understanding of the Creator and the stewardship of God’s creation.” This fits well with the goal of ACU’s Biology Department.
Health professions/human biology emphasis. Historically ACU Biology graduates have been accepted to medical and dental schools, as well as other health-care programs, at almost twice the national average. This is a result of high quality classes and laboratories emphasizing human biology and the leveling effect of learning to use human healing gifts in God’s service. Medical missions receives clear emphasis in the Department and many students participate during their career in one or more medical missions trips, many of them coordinated through our long-term relationship with Health Talents International (HTI). The majority of these efforts are in Guatemala. HTI’s mission is “to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through teaching and healing ministries.” ACU’s relationship with HTI provides students an opportunity to blend faith and learning in an applied manner that serves the spiritual and physical health needs of others throughout the world.
General biology emphasis. Some students prefer to pursue a more general biology program that allows them to touch many different areas. Past students have used this emphasis to enter law school, gain employment in industry or government, or in science writing.
Biology/business emphasis. Students interested in mixing a strong biology education with some key courses from the world of business would find this track helpful. It includes a full set of biology courses and adds basic courses in such areas as accounting, management, and marketing. Students might use this emphasis to lead toward a career in health care administration, pharmaceutical sales, or law.

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

Back To Top

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

The Bachelor of Science degree in biology is needed for most graduate schools with programs in the biological sciences. Most health professions schools require a bachelor’s degree in any field including all of the liberal arts, provided the prerequisite science and math courses are taken. Discuss the specific requirements with the pre-health professions advisor.

Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to the BS in biology, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

BIOLOGY (BS)

BS: BIOLOGY DEGREE PLAN (BIOL) ______________________________________________________________________
UNIVERSITY CORE
Bible
BIBL 101 Life and Teachings of Jesus .................................................................... BIBL 102 Acts-Revelation ..................................................................................... BIBL 211 Message of the Old Testament ................................................................ BIBL 212 Christianity in Culture ............................................................................ Advanced Bible ...................................................................................................	3 3 3 3 3
English
ENGL 111 Composition and Rhetoric ..................................................................... Sophomore Literature ..........................................................................................	3 3
Speech
COMS 111 Fundamentals of Communication ..........................................................	3
History
HIST 100-299 .....................................................................................................	3
Science
CHEM 133 General Chemistry I ............................................................................ PHYS 110 General Physics ...................................................................................	3 3
Mathematics
MATH 124 Precalculus II or MATH 185 Calculus I ......................................................................................	3
Exercise Science
EXSC 100 + 3 activities .......................................................................................	4
University Seminar
UNIV 100 ...........................................................................................................	1
TOTAL UNIVERSITY CORE ......................................................................................	41
BS DEGREE CORE
English
ENGL 112 Composition and Literature ...................................................................	3
Social Sciences/Humanities
Choose from: anthropology, economics (also AGRB 261), geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology (also EDUC 221), sociology (maximum one course per area) ....................................................................	9
Fine Arts
Choose one: ART 101, 221, 222, MUSM 230, MUSM 231, MUSM 232, MUSM 233, THEA 220 or THEA 250 .....................................................................	3
TOTAL BS CORE .....................................................................................................	15
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Biology
BIOL 112/114 General Biology I Lecture/Lab ......................................................... BIOL 113/115 General Biology II Lecture/Lab ........................................................ BIOL 221/223 Animal Biology Lecture/Lab or BIOL 222/224 Plant Biology Lecture/Lab ........................................................... BIOL 312 Cell Biology .......................................................................................... BIOL 362 Ecology ................................................................................................ BIOL 497 Seminar in Biology (writing-intensive course) ..........................................	4 4 4 3 3 1
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	19
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR (TRACKS)
CELLULAR/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Track (BICM)
BIOL 472 Biochemistry I ...................................................................................... BIOL 475 Molecular Genetics ................................................................................ BIOL 476 Biotechnology Laboratory ...................................................................... BIOL Selections 13 hours of which 9 hours of 300-499 ............................................	3 3 2 13
TOTAL ...................................................................................................................	21
GENERAL BIOLOGY Track (BIOG)
21 hours BIOL of which 17 hours of 300-499 ..........................................................	21
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	21
HEALTH PROFESSIONS Track (BIOH)
BIOL 355/357 Microbiology .................................................................................. BIOL 491/493 Human Anatomy ............................................................................ BIOL 492/495 Physiology ..................................................................................... BIOL Selections 9 hours of which 5 hours are 300-499 ............................................	4 4 4 9
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	21
ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY Track (BIOO)
BIOL 492 Physiology ........................................................................................... 8 hours from Field Biology, Mammalogy, Marine, Behavioral Biology ........................ BIOL Selections 10 hours of which 6 hours are 300-499 ..........................................	3 8 10
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	21
BIOLOGY/BUSINESS Track (BIOB)
BIOL Selections 21 hours of which 17 hours are 300-499 ........................................	21
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	21
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR (BICM, BIOG, BIOH, BIOO)
Chemistry
CHEM 131 General Chemistry I Lab ...................................................................... CHEM 132/134 General Chemistry II Lecture/Lab ................................................... CHEM 221/223 Organic Chemistry I Lecture/Lab .................................................... CHEM 322/324 Organic Chemistry II Lecture/Lab ...................................................	1 4 4 4
Physics
PHYS 111 General Physics I Lab ........................................................................... PHYS 112/113 General Physics II Lecture/Lab ........................................................	1 4
Literature
(not including EDUC 250 or ENGL 351) ..................................................................	3
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	21
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR (BIOB)
Chemistry
CHEM 131 General Chemistry I Lab ...................................................................... CHEM 132/134 General Chemistry II Lecture/Lab ...................................................	1 4
College of Business Administration
ACCT 210 Financial Accounting ............................................................................. FIN 310 Financial Management ............................................................................. MKTG 340 Principles of Marketing or MKTG 343 Personal Selling .............................................................................. MGMT 330 Management and Organizational Behavior .............................................	3 3 3 3
Literature
(Not including ENGL 351) .....................................................................................	3
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	20
ELECTIVES
Minimum (BICM, BIOG, BIOH, BIOO) .................................................................... Minimum (BIOB) .................................................................................................	11 12
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum GPA in major ........................................................................................ Minimum GPA for graduation ................................................................................ Minimum advanced hours .................................................................................... Minimum total hours ............................................................................................	2.00 2.00 33 128
Courses numbered 0* do not count in minimum hours required for degree.*

Back To Top

LIFE SCIENCE (ONE-FIELD TEACHER CERTIFICATION GRADES 8-12) (BS)

BS: HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER CERTIFICATION – LIFE SCIENCE (GRADES 8-12) DEGREE PLAN (BIOT) ______________________________________________________________________
UNIVERSITY CORE
Bible
BIBL 101 Life and Teachings of Jesus .................................................................... BIBL 102 Acts-Revelation ..................................................................................... BIBL 211 Message of the Old Testament ................................................................ BIBL 212 Christianity in Culture ............................................................................ Advanced Bible ...................................................................................................	3 3 3 3 3
English
ENGL 111 Composition and Rhetoric ..................................................................... Sophomore Literature – choose one: ENGL 221, 231, 262 .......................................	3 3
Speech
COMS 111 Fundamentals of Communication ..........................................................	3
History
HIST 221 American History I ................................................................................	3
Science
CHEM 133 General Chemistry I ............................................................................ CHEM 134 General Chemistry II ...........................................................................	3 3
Mathematics
MATH 109, 124 or 185 .........................................................................................	3
Exercise Science
EXSC 100 + 3 activities .......................................................................................	4
University Seminar
UNIV 100 ...........................................................................................................	1
TOTAL UNIVERSITY CORE ......................................................................................	41
BS DEGREE CORE
English
ENGL 112 Composition and Literature ...................................................................	3
Social Sciences/Humanities
HIST 222 American History II ............................................................................... POLS 226 States and Federal System .................................................................... SOCI 442 Cultural Diversity .................................................................................	3 3 3
Fine Arts
Choose one: ART 101, 221, 222, MUSM 230, MUSM 231, MUSM 232, MUSM 233, THEA 220 or THEA 250 .....................................................................	3
TOTAL BS CORE .....................................................................................................	15
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Biology
BIOL 112/114 General Biology I Lecture/Lab ......................................................... BIOL 113/115 General Biology II Lecture/Lab ........................................................ BIOL 221/223 Animal Biology Lecture/Lab or BIOL 222/224 Plant Biology Lecture/Lab ........................................................... BIOL 312/313 Cell Biology Lecture/Lab* ................................................................ BIOL 353/357 General Microbiology Lecture/Lab .................................................... BIOL 362/364 Ecology Lecture/Lab ....................................................................... BIOL 492/495 Physiology Lecture/Lab* ................................................................. BIOL 497 Seminar in Biology (writing-intensive course) .......................................... Additional Advanced Biology ................................................................................	4 4 4 3-4 4 4 3-4 1 3
*Students required to take only one of these labs.
TOTAL ..................................................................................................................	31
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR
Other
CHEM 131 General Chemistry I Lab ...................................................................... CHEM 132 General Chemistry II Lab ..................................................................... Sophomore Literature – choose one: ENGL 222, 232, 263* ..................................... READ 322 Reading in Secondary Content Areas ..................................................... SPED 371 Teaching Students with Special Needs ....................................................	1 1 3 3 3
*Students must continue the sequence chosen in the University Core.
Professional Education
EDUC 211 Educational Foundations and Multi-cultural Perspective ............................ EDUC 221 Educational Psychology ........................................................................ EDUC 412 Secondary Curriculum and Media .......................................................... EDUC 432 Secondary Management and Methods .................................................... EDUC 490 Student Teaching ......................................................................................	3 3 3 3 6
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	29
ELECTIVES
Minimum ............................................................................................................	12
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION
Before taking more than 6 hours of any combination of EDUC classes, a student must first be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must: Complete and submit an application for admission into the Teacher Education Program; Be enrolled in or have completed the first 45 semester hours of credit; Successfully complete with a C or better 12 hours in the candidate’s chosen content field; Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 (2.7 or higher in the content field); Complete 6 hours of University Core English with no grade lower than a “C” (in order to maintain admission status, the candidate must earn a C or better in all core English courses); Pass all three sections of the Texas Higher Education assessment (THEA) test, with a score on the reading section of 260 or higher, a score on the math section of 230 or higher and a score on the writing section of 240 or higher. Students may retake the THEA once if the required level is not earned in the first administration. Acceptance of scores from a third administration of the THEA are subject to review by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee; Be enrolled in or successfully complete (“C” or better) EDUC 211 Educational Foundations and Multicultural Perspectives (If admitted before completion of EDUC 211, admission will be contingent upon completing the course with a “C” or better. In the event that the student does not complete this course successfully, admission to the program will be suspended until this requirement is fulfilled.); Successfully complete the ACU Teacher Education formal writing sample administered in EDUC 211; Successfully complete the first submission of the Teacher Education E-Portfolio as described in the ACU Teacher Education Student Handbook; Complete the University Core Speech requirement with a B or better; Declare a major that includes certification; Receive approval from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. An interview with the committee may be required. Any exemptions or modifications to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. In addition, admission to teacher education is not the final step in the process. In order to remain in the program, the prospective teacher must continue to meet the GPA requirement (2.7). Approval to take Education Block classes (411/412 and 431/432) and to enroll in student teaching must be obtained from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee before enrolling in those classes. Other Teacher Education Requirements: In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, an overall GPA of 2.70, 2.70 GPA in the content field, and continued approval of the Teacher Education Admissions Committee must be maintained. A grade of "C" or better is required for all majors courses. Junior and senior transfer students must take the thea and be admitted to the teacher education program during their first semester at abilene christian university to continue in professional education course work. Arrangements to take the thea should be made as quickly as possible by contacting the office of career and academic development.
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum grade for majors courses ....................................................................... Minimum GPA for graduation ................................................................................ Minimum advanced hours .................................................................................... Minimum total hours ............................................................................................	C 2.70 33 128
Courses numbered 0* do not count in minimum hours required for degree.*

Back To Top

Bachelor of Arts Degrees (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts degree in biology serves as a professional degree for those who typically do not wish to pursue graduate work in the biomedical or laboratory sciences. It may serve as a foundation for field and ecological sciences provided a sufficient statistics course is also taken. It may serve as a solid liberal arts degree for students wishing to pursue science writing, for example.

Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to a program, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

BIOLOGY (BA)

BA: BIOLOGY DEGREE PLAN (BIOL) _____________________________________________________________________
UNIVERSITY CORE
Bible
BIBL 101 Life and Teachings of Jesus .................................................................... BIBL 102 Acts-Revelation ..................................................................................... BIBL 211 Message of the Old Testament ................................................................ BIBL 212 Christianity in Culture ............................................................................ Advanced Bible ...................................................................................................	3 3 3 3 3
English
ENGL 111 Composition and Rhetoric ..................................................................... Sophomore Literature ..........................................................................................	3 3
Speech
COMS 111 Fundamentals of Communication ..........................................................	3
History
HIST 100-299 .....................................................................................................	3
Science
CHEM 113 Introductory Chemistry and CHEM 114 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry or CHEM 133 General Chemistry I (requires MATH 109, 124, or 185 or placement into MATH 124 or 185) and CHEM 134 General Chemistry II ......................................................................	6
Mathematics
MATH 120, MATH 123, MATW 120/020 or higher (except MATH 147) .........................	3
Exercise Science
EXSC 100 + 3 activities .......................................................................................	4
University Seminar
UNIV 100 ...........................................................................................................	1
TOTAL UNIVERSITY CORE ......................................................................................	41
BA DEGREE CORE
English
ENGL 112 Composition and Literature ................................................................... Sophomore Literature ..........................................................................................	3 3
Social Sciences/Humanities
Choose from: anthropology, economics (also AGRB 261), geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology (also EDUC 221), sociology (maximum one course per area) .....................................................................	9
Foreign Language
FLFR, FLGE, FLLA, FLSP 221, 222 ..........................................................................	6
Fine Arts
Choose one: ART 101, 221, 222, MUSM 230, MUSM 231, MUSM 232, MUSM 233, THEA 220 or THEA 250 .....................................................................	3
TOTAL BA CORE .....................................................................................................	24
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Biology
BIOL 112/114 General Biology I Lecture/Lab ......................................................... BIOL 113/115 General Biology II Lecture/Lab ........................................................ BIOL 221/223 Animal Biology Lecture/Lab or BIOL 222/224 Plant Biology Lecture/Lab ........................................................... BIOL 497 Seminar in Biology (writing-intensive course) .......................................... Advanced Biology (BIOL 300-499) ........................................................................	4 4 4 1 17
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	30
SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR
Chemistry
CHEM 111 Introductory Chemistry Lab and CHEM 112 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry Lab or CHEM 131 General Chemistry I Lab and CHEM 132 General Chemistry II Lab ................................................................	2
Course Concentration
Courses in another department (required CHEM and General Education courses are excluded) ....................................................................................	12
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	14
ELECTIVES
Minimum ............................................................................................................	19
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum GPA in major ........................................................................................ Minimum GPA for graduation ................................................................................ Minimum advanced hours .................................................................................... Minimum total hours ............................................................................................	2.00 2.00 33 128
Courses numbered 0* do not count in minimum hours required for degree.*

Back To Top

Cooperative Bachelor of Science Degrees (BS)

ACU awards the bachelor’s degree to certain qualified students who have satisfactorily completed three years of prescribed work at ACU (a minimum of 104 hours) plus one year at a recognized professional school. Students in the cooperative degree program are advised by the advisors for health professions (see the Academic Advising section of this catalog). See the Health Professions Cooperative Degree in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this catalog for complete course requirements.

Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to a program, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

Minor in Biology

MINOR: BIOLOGY (BIOL)
Biology selections from:
BIOL 100-299 .....................................................................................................	12
Advanced biology selections from:
BIOL 300-499 .....................................................................................................	6
TOTAL ....................................................................................................................	18

Back To Top