Courses | B.S. in Human Biology
Below are some of the courses you’ll have an opportunity to take as a student in this program. Take a look at the list below to get an idea of the types of available courses. Also, be sure to review core curriculum requirements and the official program requirements in the Biola University catalog.
General Education
| PHIL 215 | Introduction to Ethics |
| An introduction to philosophy through a study of the principal ethical theories and thinkers; basic ethical problems and related biblical teaching. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Philosophy credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
Concentrations
Pre-Chiropractic
| BIOS 111 | Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology |
Introductory course for majors emphasizing the principles of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and development. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 112 | Fundamentals of Organismal Biology |
| Introductory course for biological science majors emphasizing the principles of systematics and biodiversity, population genetics and origins theories, ecology, and anatomy and physiology. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 113 | Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory |
| This laboratory accompanies BIOS 111 and is divided between observational and experimental approaches, with emphasis on the collection and interpretation of quantitative data. Frequent lab discussion of relevant issues and literature will be included. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 114 | Fundamentals of Organismal Biology Laboratory |
| This laboratory, which accompanies BIOS 114, will involve dissection as well as experimentation. A field project involving the La Mirada Creek is included. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 200 | Sophomore Writing Seminar |
Writing for competency in the biological sciences. Students will get instruction and practice in science writing for the biological sciences as well as the two portions of the writing competency requirement. At the end of the course, students will take the timed writing portion of the writing competency requirement. Notes: This course is required for all biological sciences, human biology and environmental science majors. It is highly recommended that this course be taken during the student's sophomore year, but it may be taken later. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 254 | Human Anatomy |
| An introduction to the basic structure and function of the human body. Laboratory emphasis varies from section to section to meet the needs of the different majors. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lectures, one hour pre-lab, three hours laboratory. Notes: Cadavers are used. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 281 | Physiology |
A study of the basic concepts of physiological regulation from the level of the cell to the integrated intact organism including neural, muscular, and neuro-endocrine regulatory systems. Laboratory includes human systems analysis and electrophysiology. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour pre-lab, three hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 282 | Microbiology |
A study of microbial organisms with emphasis on bacteria and viruses, including their morphology, physiology, metabolism and genetics; host parasite interactions; humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Laboratory practice in handling microorganisms, including identification and culture techniques. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 381 | Advanced Physiology |
| An advanced study of human physiology that emphasizes the mechanisms of homeostasis at the cellular, organ, and system levels. Neural, vascular, respiratory, excretory, digestive, and endocrine systems are studied. Advanced Physiology includes a major laboratory research project. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| CHEM 105 | General Chemistry I |
Principles and theories of the structure and properties of matter including stoichiometry, atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecular structure, nomenclature, chemical reactions, states of matter, gas laws and solutions. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory; one hour recitation, weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| CHEM 106 | General Chemistry II |
Continuation of General Chemistry I. Subjects include chemical kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, solubility, acidity, electrochemistry, coordination complexes and various special topics. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory; one hour recitation, weekly. Notes: A minimum grade of a "C-" is required to subsequently register in CHEM 321 and 322 or CHEM 301 and CHEM 311. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| CHEM 301 | Organic Chemistry I |
| The first semester of the traditional yearlong course in organic chemistry. Structure, properties and reactivity of carbon-containing compounds with emphasis on reaction mechanisms. An introduction to the major functional groups and the instrumental methods for structure determination: IR, NMR, and MS. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 302 | Organic Chemistry II |
| Continuation of Organic Chemistry I. Continued work with more complicated reactions and mechanisms. An introduction to computer-based drawing and searching tools. The last third of the course is devoted to the structure and properties of major biochemical substances. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 311 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I |
Basic laboratory techniques for the synthesis, isolation, purification and analysis of organic compounds including the major chromatographic methods, TLC, GC, LC. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 312 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry II |
Continuation of the laboratory methods in organic chemistry including the major structural determination and analysis tools of NMR, IR, HPLC, UV/Vis. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 321 | Basic Organic and Biochemistry |
| Covers the basic nomenclature, structure, properties and reactivity of organic compounds and biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids. Includes radical reactions and other topics essential to environmental and biochemical studies. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture weekly. Notes: This is a one semester terminal course and thus does not serve as a prerequisite for CHEM 302 or BIOS/CHEM 411. May not fulfill the requirement for medical school or other related health professions. Fulfills the requirement for environmental science and human biology majors. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 322 | Basic Organic and Biochemistry Lab |
Lab techniques and experiments related to the Basic Organic and Biochemistry lecture course. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A. | |
| MATH 101 | Precalculus Mathematics |
| Sets, the real number system, relations, functions, graphs, algebraic processes, inequalities, trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, introduction to sequences. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. May not be counted toward the major. Grade Mode: A. | |
| MATH 105 | Calculus I |
| Limits, differentiation and integration of rational and trigonometric functions, with applications. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| MATH 210 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
| Nature of statistical methods, description of sample data, fundamental concepts of probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, correlation and regression, application of same. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| MATH 318 | Biostatistics |
| Prepares the student for biostatistical application essential to practice in evidence-based professions. Content includes: descriptive statistics; probability theory and rules; discrete and continuous probability distributions; sampling distributions; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing; experimental design; ANOVA; linear and multiple regression; contingency table analysis; non-parametrics; survival analysis; discussion of the use of statistics in journal articles. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. Credit given for only one of 210 and 318. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PHSC 111 | Physics I |
| A study of mechanics, heat and sound. Intended for non-Physical Science majors. Principles are treated quantitatively but without a calculus requirement. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| PHSC 112 | Physics II |
| Continued from Physics I; includes electricity, magnetism, elementary circuits, optics, and modern physics. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation weekly. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| PHSC 117 | Physics I Laboratory |
Application of the laws and theories of mechanics, heat and sound through experiment. Laboratory to accompany Physics I. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PHSC 118 | Physics II Laboratory |
Application of the laws and theories of electricity, magnetism, circuits and optics through experiment. Laboratory to accompany Physics II. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 200 | Introduction to Psychology |
| A survey of psychology as an empirical/behavioral science with a consideration of underlying philosophical bases in light of a Christian worldview. Topics to be surveyed include development, cognition, learning, motivation, physiology, socialization, personality and psychopathology. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Behavioral Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
Pre-Health Care Professional
Core Courses:
| BIOS 111 | Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology |
Introductory course for majors emphasizing the principles of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and development. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 112 | Fundamentals of Organismal Biology |
| Introductory course for biological science majors emphasizing the principles of systematics and biodiversity, population genetics and origins theories, ecology, and anatomy and physiology. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 113 | Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory |
| This laboratory accompanies BIOS 111 and is divided between observational and experimental approaches, with emphasis on the collection and interpretation of quantitative data. Frequent lab discussion of relevant issues and literature will be included. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 114 | Fundamentals of Organismal Biology Laboratory |
| This laboratory, which accompanies BIOS 114, will involve dissection as well as experimentation. A field project involving the La Mirada Creek is included. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 200 | Sophomore Writing Seminar |
Writing for competency in the biological sciences. Students will get instruction and practice in science writing for the biological sciences as well as the two portions of the writing competency requirement. At the end of the course, students will take the timed writing portion of the writing competency requirement. Notes: This course is required for all biological sciences, human biology and environmental science majors. It is highly recommended that this course be taken during the student's sophomore year, but it may be taken later. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 254 | Human Anatomy |
| An introduction to the basic structure and function of the human body. Laboratory emphasis varies from section to section to meet the needs of the different majors. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lectures, one hour pre-lab, three hours laboratory. Notes: Cadavers are used. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 281 | Physiology |
A study of the basic concepts of physiological regulation from the level of the cell to the integrated intact organism including neural, muscular, and neuro-endocrine regulatory systems. Laboratory includes human systems analysis and electrophysiology. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour pre-lab, three hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 311 | Neurobiology |
| Discusses the embryology of the nervous system, the structure and function of the different cells of the nervous system and transmission by neurons. Emphasis on understanding cellular organization and neurophysiology of major subsystems of the vertebrate nervous system. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 312 | Cell and Molecular Biology |
| Discusses the molecular organization and function of cells and their organelles, with emphasis on chromosome structure, gene expression, membrane structure and function, energy conversion, and experimental methods used to study subcellular components. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 322 | Laboratory in Cell and Molecular Biology |
| Practical application of traditional and current laboratory techniques used in research and industry, including microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, histology, chromosomal analysis, tissue cell culture, isolation and purification of DNA, RNA and proteins, PCR, proper documentation and protocols and other laboratory writing skills are emphasized. Lecture/Lab Hours: Six hours of laboratory, one hour discussion. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 105 | General Chemistry I |
Principles and theories of the structure and properties of matter including stoichiometry, atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecular structure, nomenclature, chemical reactions, states of matter, gas laws and solutions. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory; one hour recitation, weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| CHEM 106 | General Chemistry II |
Continuation of General Chemistry I. Subjects include chemical kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, solubility, acidity, electrochemistry, coordination complexes and various special topics. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory; one hour recitation, weekly. Notes: A minimum grade of a "C-" is required to subsequently register in CHEM 321 and 322 or CHEM 301 and CHEM 311. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| CHEM 301 | Organic Chemistry I |
| The first semester of the traditional yearlong course in organic chemistry. Structure, properties and reactivity of carbon-containing compounds with emphasis on reaction mechanisms. An introduction to the major functional groups and the instrumental methods for structure determination: IR, NMR, and MS. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 311 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I |
Basic laboratory techniques for the synthesis, isolation, purification and analysis of organic compounds including the major chromatographic methods, TLC, GC, LC. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 320 | Basic Organic and Biochemistry |
The structure, properties and reactivity of organic and biological molecules. | |
| KNES 301 | Kinesiology |
Human movement with emphasis on the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, with simple mechanical principles involved in movement skills. | |
| KNES 302 | Exercise Physiology |
Basic physiological concepts of muscular exercise with emphasis on the acute responses and chronic adaptations of the neuromuscular, circulatory and respiratory systems. | |
| MATH 210 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
| Nature of statistical methods, description of sample data, fundamental concepts of probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, correlation and regression, application of same. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| MATH 318 | Biostatistics |
| Prepares the student for biostatistical application essential to practice in evidence-based professions. Content includes: descriptive statistics; probability theory and rules; discrete and continuous probability distributions; sampling distributions; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing; experimental design; ANOVA; linear and multiple regression; contingency table analysis; non-parametrics; survival analysis; discussion of the use of statistics in journal articles. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Math credit. Credit given for only one of 210 and 318. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PHSC 111 | Physics I |
| A study of mechanics, heat and sound. Intended for non-Physical Science majors. Principles are treated quantitatively but without a calculus requirement. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| PHSC 112 | Physics II |
| Continued from Physics I; includes electricity, magnetism, elementary circuits, optics, and modern physics. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation weekly. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| PHSC 117 | Physics I Laboratory |
Application of the laws and theories of mechanics, heat and sound through experiment. Laboratory to accompany Physics I. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PHSC 118 | Physics II Laboratory |
Application of the laws and theories of electricity, magnetism, circuits and optics through experiment. Laboratory to accompany Physics II. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 200 | Introduction to Psychology |
| A survey of psychology as an empirical/behavioral science with a consideration of underlying philosophical bases in light of a Christian worldview. Topics to be surveyed include development, cognition, learning, motivation, physiology, socialization, personality and psychopathology. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Behavioral Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 309 | Abnormal Psychology |
| Nature, causes and treatment of abnormal behavior, including the full range of mental disorders identified within current categorical systems. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 320 | Developmental Psychology: Lifespan |
| A study of the theory and research concerning lifespan development. Consideration will be given to the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and moral aspects of human development across the entire span from conception to death. Discussion will include timely issues of personal relevance to the student's own developmental pathway. Grade Mode: A. | |
Elective Courses:
| BIOS 282 | Microbiology |
A study of microbial organisms with emphasis on bacteria and viruses, including their morphology, physiology, metabolism and genetics; host parasite interactions; humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Laboratory practice in handling microorganisms, including identification and culture techniques. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 302 | Vertebrate Biology |
| The biology of vertebrates, stressing structure and function. Laboratory dissection of representative vertebrates emphasizes comparative anatomy. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 310 | Prosection |
| An introduction to the human body through dissection and demonstration of a selected portion of a human cadaver. Lecture/Lab Hours: Thirty hours of laboratory. Notes: Special Approval Required. May be taken for a total of 2 credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 332 | Genetics |
| Integrates principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics toward understanding structure and function of the gene. Emphasizes quantitative analysis of genetic data and explores current issues of genetic engineering from technical and ethical viewpoints. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hours lab. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 380 | Advanced Microbiology |
| Same as BIOS 282, with the additional requirement of microbial isolation and identification of field and clinical samples. An 8–10 page research paper and presentation on one of these isolations is also required. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 402 | Parasitology |
| Taxonomy, life history, physiology, molecular basis, ecology, and morphology of animal parasites with emphasis on those affecting humans. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 411 | General Biochemistry I |
Structures and properties of biomolecular components of cells, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, nucleic acids, vitamins and coenzymes, kinetics and mechanism and regulation of enzyme action in biological systems. Notes: BIOS 111 and BIOS 113 (Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology) recommended. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 412 | General Biochemistry II |
Principles of metabolic processes; mathematical treatment of bioenergetics emphasizing major concepts and problem solving. Notes: BIOS 111 and BIOS 113 (Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology) recommended. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 413 | Laboratory in General Biochemistry |
A laboratory course to accompany BIOS 411, BIOS 412 (CHEM 411, CHEM 412). The isolation, characterization and analysis of biomolecules including the use of biochemical instrumentation and methodology for work in protein structure, enzymology, metabolism and genetics. BIOS 111 and BIOS 113 (Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology) recommended. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 431 | Developmental Biology |
| Analyzes the molecular, genetic and cellular mechanisms that control fertilization, the development of body form, cell specialization and differentiation as well as metamorphosis, maturation and aging. Laboratory emphasizes gametogenesis, fertilization, comparative embryology of vertebrates and invertebrates and directed experimental manipulation of embryos. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 445 | Immunology |
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. Grade Mode: A. | |
| BIOS 455 | General Virology |
| Virology is a course that examines the diversity of plant, animal and bacterial viruses. Emphasis on topics such as: molecular interactions between the host and virus, the genetics and chemical nature of viruses and the replication strategies of viruses. How viruses caused disease, how they are used in biotechnology and their overall impact on society will also be discussed. Bacteriophage and tissues culture techniques will be stressed in laboratory. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, four hour laboratory. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| BIOS 460 | Clinical Observation Practicum |
Practicum: A professionally supervised observation, demonstration and study in a local medical, dental or laboratory facility. Introduction to health care philosophies, hospital and patient routines, personnel, instrumentation and specific treatment practices. Notes: Special Approval required. Case study and research paper required. Thirty hours of observation. May be taken for 2 credits total. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 302 | Organic Chemistry II |
| Continuation of Organic Chemistry I. Continued work with more complicated reactions and mechanisms. An introduction to computer-based drawing and searching tools. The last third of the course is devoted to the structure and properties of major biochemical substances. Grade Mode: A. | |
| CHEM 312 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry II |
Continuation of the laboratory methods in organic chemistry including the major structural determination and analysis tools of NMR, IR, HPLC, UV/Vis. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A. | |
| KNES 301 | Kinesiology |
Human movement with emphasis on the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, with simple mechanical principles involved in movement skills. | |
| KNES 302 | Exercise Physiology |
Basic physiological concepts of muscular exercise with emphasis on the acute responses and chronic adaptations of the neuromuscular, circulatory and respiratory systems. | |
| PSYC 309 | Abnormal Psychology |
| Nature, causes and treatment of abnormal behavior, including the full range of mental disorders identified within current categorical systems. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 320 | Developmental Psychology: Lifespan |
| A study of the theory and research concerning lifespan development. Consideration will be given to the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and moral aspects of human development across the entire span from conception to death. Discussion will include timely issues of personal relevance to the student's own developmental pathway. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 325 | Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence |
| An in-depth study of theory and research concerning the child and adolescent period. Issues to be considered will include physiological, psychological, social, behavioral, and spiritual development from the period of conception through adolescence. Both pathogenic and adaptive patterns will be addressed with a view to facilitating optimal development. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 355 | Psychology of Family |
| An examination of family from three different perspectives: Scriptural, cultural and clinical. A major goal of the course is to stimulate thinking regarding the integration of these perspectives. Particular emphasis will be placed on the study of family purpose, roles within the family, and psychological processes leading to healthy and unhealthy outcomes. Grade Mode: A. | |