The course examines the human organism and the impact of modern biology and medical discoveries on humans. Topics covered include anatomy/physiology, immunity, reproduction, development, genetics, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Laboratory experiences are incorporated into the course where appropriate.

This course is designed to teach word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes to develop an understanding of health care terms. Definitions, spelling and the use of correct abbreviations are emphasized. The course content is organized around body systems and emphasizes terminology and applications related to the health and fitness career fields.

This course surveys the major principles of life science for those majoring in elementary, middle school or special education. Topics include evolution, the diversity of life, ecology, cell biology and inheritance.

Laboratory experiences will include exercises that enhance content understanding, and will focus on the pedagogy of life science.

Additional fee required

This course studies the cell as the basic unit of biology. Topics include structure and roles of biologically important molecules, prokaryote and eukaryote cell structure, concepts of metabolism and energy flow, enzymes, photosynthesis, ATP production, cell reproduction, molecular genetics, and the principles of Mendelian genetics.

The laboratory will explore the biological methods, techniques, and practices that support the lecture topics of cell and molecular biology.

Additional fee required

This course studies the levels of the biological hierarchy above the level of the individual organism. Topics include microevolution and natural selection, macroevolution, the history and diversity of life, and ecological principles.

The laboratory will explore the biological methods, techniques, and practices that support the lecture topics of evolution, diversity, and ecology.

Additional fee required

This course studies the cell as the basic unit of biology. Topics include structure and roles of biologically important molecules; prokaryote and eukaryote cell structure; concepts of metabolism and energy flow; enzymes; photosynthesis; ATP production; cell reproduction; molecular genetics; and the principles of Mendelian genetics. This course is designed for students interested in nursing.

This course will address a specific area of study in biology not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

This course is intended to provide an understanding of basic nutritional science and dietetics to students with a limited nutrition background. This will be accomplished though exploration of fundamental concepts of nutrition, health, and wellness with special focus on contemporary issues and personal application. Topics covered include the principles of diet planning, government standards, and food labeling; the biological functions and food sources of each nutrient; energy balance, weight management, and physical activity; the role of nutrition in health, disease, and lifespan development; food safety issues; and nutrition pseudoscience, misinformation, and current controversies.

This course provides students with an overview of the relationship between humans and their environment, and to the environmental problems that we face. Topics include human population growth, pollution, climate change, energy use, and loss of biodiversity, along with emerging contemporary issues. Implications and potential solutions will be discussed.

This course introduces students to the variety of ecosystems in our local region, and to the ways that these systems impact and are impacted by humans. Students will learn about characteristics of these ecosystems, as well as gain introductory experience in identifying local flora and fauna. Exploration of local prairies, woodlands, and aquatic systems will be an important component of this course, as well as a field trip to the Aurora University George Williams College Campus on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin. A lab fee to cover the costs of field trips is included.

Additional fee required

This course covers principles and techniques of microbiology. Topics include the structure and life cycles of bacteria, viruses, protists, fungi, parasitic worms, characteristics of the major groups of bacteria, bacterial growth and metabolism, microbial genetics and pathogenesis, epidemiology, and selected infectious diseases.

Additional fee required

Laboratory experiences for Microbiology include microscopy and staining techniques, bacterial culture, control of microbes, and identification of microbes using metabolic and morphologic characteristics plus selected topics. Aditional fee applies.

Additional fee required

This course will examine the diversity and organ systems of animals, using a comparative approach. Topics include the classification and phylogeny of the major animal groups, the structure and function of animal organ systems, and the ways in which animals are adapted to their environments.

Laboratory experiences for Introduction to Zoology are designed to support the content presented in lecture and provide hands-on experience with representative body systems, animals, and biological techniques. It is strongly recommended that this course is taken along with BIO-2300 Introduction to Zoology lecture.

Additional fee required

This course will examine the diversity and organ systems of "plants," using a comparative approach. Topics include the classification and phylogeny of the major photosynthetic groups (cyanobacteria, algae, and plants) as well as the heterotrophic fungi, characteristics of selected angiosperm families, the structure and function of plant and fungal organ systems, and the ways in which plants and fungi are adapted to their environments.

Laboratory experiences for Introduction to Botany are designed to support the content presented in lecture and provide hands-on experience with representative botanical specimens, body systems, and biological techniques. It is strongly recommended that this course is taken along with BIO 2350, Introduction to Botany lecture.

Additional fee required

This course explores the interrelationship between structure and function in the human body at the macro, micro, and cellular levels, with an emphasis on how physiological mechanisms operate to maintain homeostasis. Topics include tissues, thermoregulation, and the major body systems (i.e., integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiac, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive). Laboratory experiences will reinforce lecture material through the use of models, dissection and various modes of technology. Registration Note: Credit WILL NOT be given for this course and BIO-2660 and/or BIO-2670.

This course is the first of a two-course sequence that provides a detailed study of the relationship between structure and function of the human organism. Topics include physical and chemical principles related to the major organ systems, including integumentary, muscular, skeletal, nervous, and the sensory systems. Laboratory experiences for Anatomy and Physiology I will reinforce lecture material through the use of models, dissection, and various modes of technology. Note: Credit WILL NOT be given for this course and BIO-2650.

Additional fee required

This course is the second of a two-course sequence that provides a detailed study of the relationship between structure and function of the human organism. Topics include the endocrine, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, reproductive, and urinary systems, with discussion of acid-base and electrolyte balance. Laboratory experiences for Anatomy and Physiology II will reinforce lecture material through the use of models, dissection, and various modes of technology. Note: Credit WILL NOT be given for this course and BIO-2650.

Additional fee required

This course will address a specific area of study in biology not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

This course explores the principles and applications of immunology. Topics include the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of the immune system, the cellular, and antibody response to various infectious organisms (i.e., bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasitic worms), and the immune response to tumors. In addition, immune disorders, including hypersensitivity, allergy, autoimmunity, and immune deficiency will be discussed. Immunologic techniques will be discussed, studied in the laboratory, and applications to research, testing, and diagnosis will be covered.

Additional fee required

This course covers the fundamentals of human physiology from a homeostatic perspective, emphasizing the intrinsic and extrinsic control of body systems. Topics include membrane and neuronal physiology, fluid and acid-base balance, energy balance, and temperature control, as well as the physiology of the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiac, immune, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

This course provides an in-depth survey of the protozoa and invertebrate animals. Topics include taxonomic classification, key characteristics, body systems, and evolutionary innovations of each invertebrate group studied, using a comparative approach. Laboratory will involve detailed observations of select invertebrates (with emphasis on identification and classification) through behavioral, microscopy, dissection, and field techniques.

Additional fee required

This course gives students greater insight into the biomechanical design of human skeletal muscles and their interactions with the skeletal system. Biomechanics emphasizes the investigation and application of mechanical principles to the study of human motion and the motion of sport objects. Students will learn systematic approaches for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the human body as it engages in motor activities. This course begins by developing the students' knowledge in several topics related to physics of motion as it relates to sports movement.

This course provides an in-depth survey of the vertebrate animals beginning with fishes and ending with mammals. Emphasis will be placed on identification and evolution of vertebrates, comparative physiology, and descriptions of key characteristics and evolutionary innovations of the vertebrate classes, using a comparative approach. Laboratory will involve detailed observations of select vertebrates through behavioral observation, microscopy, dissection, and field techniques.

Additional fee required

This course will examine the morphology and anatomy of the vascular plants, with an emphasis on the characteristics of major families to aid in the diagnostic identification of plant taxa. Topics include a comprehensive overview of vascular plant phylogeny through various lines of taxonomic evidence (e.g., morphology, anatomy, embryology, chromosomes, palynology, secondary plant compounds, proteins, and DNA), the history of plant classification and botanical nomenclature, and the interactions between humans and plants. Laboratory will involve detailed observations of plant morphology and anatomy, as well as field and herbarium methods.

Additional fee required

This course will examine the functional and related structural aspects of vascular plants. Topics include transport and translocation of water and solutes; mineral nutrient requirements (including deficiency symptoms and availability from soil); biochemistry and metabolism of photosynthesis and respiration, plant regulators; and growth and development (with plant movements and responses to light and temperature). Laboratory will involve short- and long-term experiments in controlled conditions that explore physiological concepts.

Additional fee required

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the biology of aging in humans and distinguishes pathophysiological conditions from "normal aging." Topics include theories of aging and how nutrition, exercise, stress, and social interaction affect aging. Students will have the opportunity to conduct service-learning projects with older adults at long-term care facilities.

This course provides an introduction to conservation biology and conservation practice. Topics include the earth's biological diversity, threats to its biological diversity, how threats influence populations and species, and solutions to dealing with those threats. Laboratory experiences will provide opportunities to apply lecture material, and include both conservation management methods and fieldwork at local nature reserves to give students the opportunity for real-world application of conservation techniques.

Additional fee required

This course provides an in-depth analysis of both transmission and molecular genetics. Topics include the sources of genetic variation, Mendelian inheritance, chromosomal transmission, DNA structure and function, gene expression, gene mapping, bioinformatics, and the interaction between genetics and society.

This course offers an introduction to global environmental history, focusing on the past two centuries -- since the Industrial Revolution-when population growth and technological change have accelerated dramatically, transforming humans' place within and ideas about the natural world. Students will encounter a range of debates, readings, films, and other sources that offer vital perspectives on the planet's most pivotal contemporary challenges while also sharpening their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills in the process.

This course examines the integration of structure and function of living things on the cellular level. Topics include cell physiology and energetics, molecular biology, and contemporary problems in cell biology, immunology, and developmental biology. Research methods and primary literature will be discussed.

This course will examine the different physiological relationships between nutrition and exercise. Emphasis is placed on the body's metabolic response to a wide range of stresses that occur in different sports. This course will examine the different physiological relationships between nutrition and exercise. Emphasis is placed on the body's metabolic response to a wide range of stresses that occur in different sports and activities, at different intensities, and within different environments. Macro and micronutrients and their respective roles in energy production and the development of improved athletic performance are discussed in detail. In addition, this course will study those methods of assessing an athlete's nutritional needs and status.

This course includes ecological principles and the interactions of organisms with their environment (living and non-living). Topics include climate, soils, aquatic and marine environments, an organism's relationship to its environment, population ecology, species interactions, community ecology, and ecosystem ecology.

Additional fee required

This course will include laboratory exercises that will reinforce lecture material and enhance ecological research methods and data analysis through conducting small-scale experiments and exploring the biodiversity in our region.

Additional fee required

This course provides an introduction to the study of ethology, or animal behavior, with an emphasis on both the proximate and ultimate causes of behavior. Topics include genetic and hormonal influences on behavior, types of learning and cultural transmission, predation, foraging, habitat selection, mating systems, and social interactions. Laboratory exercises will reinforce lecture materials and expose students to research methods and data analysis in the animal behavior field.

Additional fee required

This course discusses evolutionary biology. Topics include the evidence for evolution, inferring evolutionary relationships, mechanisms of evolutionary change, population genetics, speciation, and the history of life.

This course provides an overview of the human species in the context of its evolutionary relationships with other primates, with emphasis on the interrelated realms of knowledge that shed light on leading hypotheses for human evolution, biology and behavior. Topics include evidence from the fossil record, molecular evolutionary trees, primatology, evolutionary biology, history of science, human biology, forensics, and psychology. Scientific findings from these fields will be explored to understand our origins and contemporary issues in human biology, science, and society.

This course explores the four classes of macromolecules and the related chemical processes of living cells. Topics include the structure, chemical and physical properties, and biological functions metabolism of amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, with a particular emphasis on enzymology. Research methods and primary literature will be discussed.

This course introduces students to foundational biochemistry laboratory techniques for analysis of biomolecules. Skills students will learn include making buffers, biomolecule purification and quantification, enzyme kinetics studies, chromatography, and electrophoresis.

This advanced course examines topics such as the structure of genomes, structure and function of nucleic acids and genes, regulation of gene expression, mutations, mechanisms of DNA repair and interaction of macromolecules. The exploration of current topics in molecular biology including manipulation of genes and their expression, among others, is emphasized.

Laboratory experiences involve common techniques such as extraction and purification of nucleic acids, Polymerase Chain Reaction, gel electrophoresis and a veriety of bioinformatics tools commonly used in molecular research.

Grading Type: Credit/No Credit

Additional fee required

This course will cover topics related to emergent biotechnologies, ethical issues related to biotechnology, the impact of biotechnology in society, current and historical events, and the biotechnology industry. Students will learn to make connections between science and society through the exploration and evaluation of current topics and readings related to biotechnology.

The practice and application of diverse biotechnologies are broad and challenging, and the implementation of techniques and data interpretation requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This course exposes students to the scientific method as it is applicable to biotechnological investigations. Students will gain hands-on experiences as they design and execute experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret and communicate results.

Additional fee required

This course will provide the fundamentals of instrumental and classical methods of analysis. It will be an introduction to biological and chemical sample preparation, separation techniques, volumetric, electrochemical, and spectroscopic methods. Laboratory work combines classical and instrumental methods of analysis.

This course addresses the basic principles of instrumental analysis, including infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, potentiometry, and X-ray diffraction.

Additional fee required

The course addresses the question of how social and political factors, such as race, nationality, or social class, as well as governmental laws, regulations, and politics shape and are shaped by individual and population health and well-being around the world. Among other questions, students discuss the impact of structural violence of social inequalities on human suffering and on the access to health care and medical care, including access to medications. The ethicality of medical research is also included in that discussion. Assigned readings and discussions address (1) the determinants of disease and health inequalities between populations and over time; (2) how social and political factors influence medical knowledge, health care and medical care; and 3) what must be done to combat and prevent health inequalities in local, national, and global contexts.

Aurora University, in collaboration with the other Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA), the Shedd Aquarium, and Morton Arboretum offers a range of courses, including lecture series, laboratory courses, and field experiences which enrich our core curriculum. These will be offered as student interests and needs indicate. Permission of the Department Chair required.

This course will address a specific area of study in biology not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

This course presents techniques that are effective for teaching in the biology content area at the secondary level. Topics include lesson planning, science education standards, assessment, curriculum design, inquiry-based lessons and alternative teaching strategies. This is usually the last course the student takes prior to student teaching, and includes a simultaneous practicum in addition to regular classroom hours. Placement applications for the practicum are due to the School of Education placement coordinator the January before the academic year of the practicum or for transfer students upon acceptance into the School of Education.

This is a course in which a student or students study on campus under the close supervision of an Aurora University faculty member. This is not "field experience," does not cover material in the regular curriculum, and is not as research and/ or independently oriented in its instructional methodology as an independent study. Descriptions of directed studies are contained in the petition by which the learning experience was approved. Students should file the Directed Study Petition prior to registration. This petition must be signed/approved by the Instructor, Department chair, and Academic Dean. Regular tuition is charged, and additional fees may apply.

An academic internship experience for credit requires the student to be at least a sophomore in standing. The academic internship experience requires a faculty sponsor, educational criteria, and a current executed affiliation agreement and Schedule A on file. Internships can be designated as either credit/no credit or letter grade, depending on the school or program. Regular tuition is charged, and additional fees may apply.

Grading Type: Credit/No Credit

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to do biological research that has the potential to be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and/or presented at a scientific meeting. Students will accomplish these goals by performing a supervised research project and attending weekly seminars with their supervising instructor on how to conduct scientific research. A maximum of four semester hours can be used toward graduation. Permission of the Instructor or Department Chair required.

Descriptions of independent studies are contained in the petition by which the learning experience was approved. Prior to registration, students must file the Independent Study Petition. This petition requires the signature/approval of the Instructor, Department Chair, and Academic Dean. Regular tuition is charged. In most cases, Independent Study should be within the field of the student's major and should be something that cannot be pursued through established courses. These are pursued on campus under the direct supervision of an Aurora University faculty member. Regular tuition is charged, and additional fees may apply.

This course will address a specific area of study in biology not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

This is a course in which a student or students study on campus under the close supervision of an Aurora University faculty member. This is not "field experience," does not cover material in the regular curriculum, and is not as research and/ or independently oriented in its instructional methodology as an independent study. Descriptions of directed studies are contained in the petition by which the learning experience was approved. Students should file the Directed Study Petition prior to registration. This petition must be signed/approved by the Instructor, Department Chair, and Academic Dean. Regular tuition is charged, and additional fees may apply.

An advanced academic internship experience for credit requires the student to be at least a junior in standing, although individual programs may require senior standing. The academic internship experience requires a faculty sponsor, educational criteria, and a current executed affiliation agreement and Schedule A on file. Internships can be designated as either credit/no credit or letter grade, depending on the school or program. Regular tuition is charged, and additional fees may apply.

Grading Type: Credit/No Credit

Descriptions of independent studies are contained in the petition by which the learning experience was approved. Prior to registration, students must file the Independent Study Petition. This petition requires the signature/approval of the Instructor, Department Chair, and Academic Dean. Regular tuition is charged. In most cases, Independent Study should be within the field of the student's major and should be something that cannot be pursued through established courses. These are pursued on campus under the direct supervision of an Aurora University faculty member. Regular tuition is charged, and additional fees may apply.

This course examines problems and issues at the intersection of the sciences and society. These problems will be explored through readings, writing, class discussion, group projects and presentations. Students will gather and analyze information from scientific journals, secondary sources and popular literature.

Additional fee required