27 courses with the subject BIO, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BIO 1009/1009L Concepts of Biology
(NOT available to students who have received a grade of C- or better in any college-level BIO course. Not intended for biology majors.) A survey of the field of biology intended to promote an understanding of basic biological principles and how these principles can be applied in everyday life. Topics covered in the course may include cell structure and function, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, biotechnology, microbiology, ecology, bioethics, evolution and creation. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
An introductory course surveying the design of living organisms, focusing on the awe and wonder of living systems, and the intricacies of how the universe and life works together. Explore the overlap of faith and science, and gain insights in the fields of philosophy, biology, cosmology, and theology. Developed to satisfy the Core Curriculum Scientific and Quantitative Literacy component.
BIO 1011/1011L Principles of Biology: Cells, Genes & Energy4
(PQ: high school biology and chemistry; suggested CHE1021) A foundational course emphasizing the principles of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, reproductive biology, and physiology. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
BIO 1012/1012L Principles of Biology: Organisms & Ecosystems.4
(PQ: high school biology or C- or better in BIO1009) A foundational course emphasizing the principles of organismal biology. This course includes a survey of plant and animal diversity of life, plant biology, and ecology. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
A concise course that provides practice in the definition and use of medical terms. The course includes the analysis of words based on combining forms, prefixes and suffixes. Intended to fulfill the admission requirement for many health profession graduate programs; also benefits pre-medicine and pre-dentistry students. This course does not fulfill the core curriculum Natural Science requirement within the Scientific & Quantitative Literacy section.
This course will introduce students to small scale food systems. Students will encounter the interactions between social and biological systems involved in food production. Emphasis will be placed on small scale sustainable agriculture.
(PQ: ACT Composite score of 27 or above [SAT score of 1280 or above, or CLT score of 85 or above, or high school cum GPA of 3.65 or higher] or consent of instructor) A study of a specialized aspect of biology curriculum that includes contemplation of the natural world. The laboratory component may consist of an intensive field trip to a specialized ecosystem or habitat. For 4 credit course only: $200 laboratory fee required; concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
(PQ: C- or better in BIO1011 and BIO1012) This class covers plant structure, function, growth, development and taxonomy of plants. Topics include reproduction and development of seed and non-seed plants, genetics and propagation, levels of organization, form and function of systems, and a survey of major taxa. These topics are used to explore plant ecology and distribution. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab. . . . . . 2 cr BIO3116/3116L Zoology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (PQ: C- or better in BIO1011 and BIO1012) An intermediate course exploring the diversity, structure, function, and adaptations of animals as part of God’s magnificent creation. Students examine major animal phyla from protozoans through vertebrates, with emphasis on comparative anatomy, physiology, development, classification, and ecological relationships. Key principles of animal biology including homeostasis, reproduction, behavior, and interactions with the environment are integrated throughout. The course addresses . 2 cr evolutionary and intelligent design concepts while encouraging critical evaluation from a biblical worldview that affirms both God’s sovereignty as Creator and humanity’s responsibility for stewardship of the animal kingdom. Lecture topics highlight the wonder and complexity of animal life as evidence of God’s design. Laboratory experiences involve hands-on study of living and preserved specimens, dissections, . . . . . 2 cr microscopy, and field observations to reinforce lecture concepts and develop practical skills in organismal biology. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
(PQ: C- or better in BIO1011 or BIO1012 or CHE1015 or HPE2175) A study of the structure of the cells, tissues and organs of the various organ systems of the human body. Included are the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, circulator, nervous, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
(PQ: C- or better in BIO3158) A focused course that introduces students to the physiology of disease in the human body. The course explores the patterns of disease in the body’s major organ systems. Intended to fulfill the admission requirement for Nursing, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapy and other health care professionals such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Chiropractic, etc.
(PQ: C- or better in BIO3145 or BIO3158, and CHE3101) A study of the structures and functions of the immune system, humoral and cell mediated immunity, and analysis of medically significant disorders of the immune system. Three lectures per week.
(PQ: C- or better in BIO3348 and C- or better in CHE3101, MAT2055 strongly recommended) This course provides a comprehensive exploration of classical Mendelian genetics and population genetics, with foundational coverage of molecular mechanisms to support inheritance studies. Topics include inheritance patterns, linkage and mapping, quantitative traits, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with applications in human health, agriculture, and conservation. Students will engage in problem-solving, data analysis, and ethical discussions to understand genetic variation and its role in populations. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
Exploration of techniques and procedures to design field experiments to further study plant biology, animal biology and ecological concepts. Two lectures and two labs per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
(PQ: C- or better in BIO1011 and BIO1012) A survey of the distribution and management of natural resources with special emphasis on developing critical thinking skills and developing new solutions to problems of resource scarcity. Topics include: energy, water, air, food and biodiversity and other selected components of the lithosphere and hydrosphere. Economics, demographic, religious and political issues are considered as they affect resources. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab. University of Northwestern – St. Paul Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 . 4 cr BIO3331/3331L Biochemistry I: Biomolecular Structure & Function. . . 4 cr (PQ: C- or better in BIO1011, CHE3101, and CHE3102; recommend taken concurrently with BIO3348) Structural and integrated functions of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids; biosynthesis, biodegradations, metabolic pathways and bioenergetics; and quantitation of chemical equilibria. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab. 4 cr BIO3332 Biochemistry II: Biomolecular Metabolism . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 c (PQ: C- or better in BIO3331) Biochemical study of the metabolic processes involved in the maintenance of life. Special attention is given to understanding the energetics of life and the regulation and control of biochemical reactions constituting metabolic pathways.
(PQ: CHE3101; one semester of biochemistry is recommended) Builds upon Biochemistry I: Biomolecular Structure and Function to describe biochemical regulatory processes in greater breadth and depth . . . . . . . 3 cr with focused emphasis on therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and their mechanisms of action, development, regulatory approval, and laboratory synthesis. Trains students to critically evaluate data from a large variety of published sources covering experimental medicines, biological probes, and natural products.
(PQ: C- or better in BIO1011, BIO1012, and CHE3101) This intermediate course, designed to be taken concurrently with Biochemistry, delves into the fundamental principles of cellular structure, function, and dynamics. Students explore protein structure and function as the basis for cellular processes; the organization and roles of cells and organelles in maintaining homeostasis; mechanisms of cellular transport and communication, including membrane dynamics, signaling pathways, and intercellular interactions; the processes of specialized cell formation through differentiation and development; and the molecular details of cancer progression, such as oncogenic mutations, cell cycle dysregulation, and metastasis. Through integrated lectures, discussions, and problem-solving, the course emphasizes how biochemical principles underpin cellular phenomena, preparing students for advanced studies in molecular biology, genetics, or physiology. Three lectures and one lab per week. A $200 laboratory fee required. Concurrent registration required in lecture and lab.
(PQ: completion of at least 24 credits in the biology major) Students work closely with a research mentor to learn literature search, . . . . . . . . . . 1 cr proposal preparation for a research project, experimental protocols, data acquisition, statistics, and manuscript preparation. Students will sign a document including the University of Northwestern Policy on Original Research Data in order to register for all research courses. Note: This course is designated as repeatable and may be repeated for up to 8 total credits. Only 4 credits may be used toward completion of Biology major or Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major credits. A $200 research fee required.
(PQ: consent of instructor) Students apply learned biological and health sciences skills in an employment context and gain practical experience through internship. Note: This course is designated as repeatable. See page 26 for note regarding internships.
