College of Arts & SciencesBiological SciencesMajors and Degrees Offered
Minors Offered
A minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of formal coursework from the University curriculum completed at Webster University. Courses used to fulfill a major may not be used to fulfill a requirement for a minor. Student must have a grade above a C-. Special Study OpportunitiesBiological sciences are undergoing rapid expansion and substantial growth. This is demonstrated by a revolution of discovery taking place in molecular genetics and biotechnology. Advances in biological study influence the way we think and live more dramatically than ever before. Students of biology are taught logical thought, clarity of expression, techniques of analytical analysis, and common sense. The bachelor of science (B.S.) and bachelor of arts (B.A.) degrees in biology generally lead to careers in biological research, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and science education as well as government and science-related business and industry. The B.S. and B.A. programs are designed to provide a liberal education with a focus on cellular and biochemical functions of living organisms. Supervised independent studies and reading courses and research increase student opportunities for pursuing a specialty area of interest. Upper-division laboratories stress student preparation and design and analysis of experiments.Special RequirementsScience courses taken more than 10 years ago may not count as the prerequisite for certain advanced courses. Students in Pre-Professional Programs such as Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, Pre-Dental, pre-Athletic Trainer should take Human Anatomy & Physiology, BIOL 3010, 2011 and BIOL 3020, 3021. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours at Webster University within the Biological Sciences Department. This must include BIOL 4400 and BIOL 4430 and 12 credit hours of 3000-4000 level courses in biology or chemistry. No more than 6 credit hours of independent study and/or reading courses may count toward the required biology hours.BiologyStudents wishing to pursue a degree in biology at Webster may choose to follow the curriculum leading to a B.S. or that leading to the B.A. The B.S. program requires more courses in biology, chemistry, and physics than are required for the B.A. degree. The B.S. is designed for students applying to professional schools such as medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry or graduate school. The B.A. is designed for students who have a desire for a secondary course of study such as education and provides an avenue for a double major. The core component of the biology major gives students knowledge and experience of all major fields of modern biology. Elective upper division courses allow students to pursue a field in greater depth. The senior research thesis required of all majors provides students an opportunity to synthesize and apply their knowledge of the biological sciences. The courses required for Webster's general education goals provide the student with background in all fields of human knowledge. Upon completion of the program, students should:
Biology (B.A.)Degree Requirements
Required Courses
*Students who do not have a second major or a minor in mathematics are required to take this course. Sample schedule for required courses for B.A.:
Biology (B.S.)Degree Requirements
Required Courses
* Students who do not have a second major or a minor in mathematics are required to take this course. Sample schedule for required courses for B.S.:
Biology (B.S.) with an Emphasis in BiotechnologyDegree Requirements
Required Courses
* Students who do not have a second major or a minor in mathematics are required to take this course. Sample schedule for required courses for B.S. with an emphasis in biotechnology:
Certification in Secondary EducationThe Missouri requirements for secondary certification in biology may be met by completion of the following courses:
Plus 20 additional credit hours in biology, including:
Students interested in seeking teacher certification should contact the Office of Teacher Certification for applications and copies of current admission requirements. Biology Course ListingsBIOL 1010 Human Biology (4) The "biology" of humans is a study of the organization of the human body, how it works, and what the human needs to stay alive and reproduce. Throughout the course the focus is on various topics of interest to the college student: e.g., fitness, stress, current discoveries, AIDS. Intended for non-majors. Includes lab. BIOL 1020 Biology of Animals (3) Introduces the fascinating world of animals, from the tiny water flea to the elephant. Examines the challenges in their lives and the ways they meet them, including the search for food sources and shelter, reproduction, and internal stability. Laboratory required. BIOL 1020 and BIOL 1021 must be taken concurrently. Intended for non-majors. BIOL 1030 Biology of Plants (3) Examines plant growth and development, from seed to flower. Plant diversity, ancient and modern uses will be studied, along with care of common garden and household plants. Laboratory required. BIOL 1030 and BIOL 1031 must be taken concurrently. Intended for non-majors. BIOL 1040 Human Genetics (3) Introduces DNA, along with the structure and function of human chromosomes and how hereditary traits are passed on. Emphasis on new findings and technologies. Intended for non-majors. Includes lab. BIOL 1310 Issues in Biology (1-3) Deals with biological issues of general interest. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: may vary with section. BIOL 1550 Essentials of Biology I (4) Will focus on structure, function, and biological processes in bacteria, viruses, and the animal kingdom. Laboratory required. BIOL 1550 and BIOL 1551 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: CHEM 1100 concurrently or equivalent. Limited to majors in the sciences or by permission of the instructor. BIOL 1560 Essentials of Biology II (4) Will focus on structure, function, and biological processes in protistans, fungi, and the plant kingdom. Continuation of BIOL 1550. Laboratory required. BIOL 1560 and BIOL 1561 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: BIOL 1550, CHEM 1110 concurrently or equivalent. BIOL 1610 Anatomy and Physiology I (3) Introduces the structure and function of the human body. Topics include biochemistry, cell biology, skeletal systems (histology, immunology, muscle tissues), neurobiology, and nervous systems. Includes laboratory sections involving mitosis, tissues, and bones. Laboratory required. BIOL 1610 and BIOL 1611 must be taken concurrently. Offered only at Lutheran School of Nursing. BIOL 1620 Anatomy and Physiology II (3) Continues BIOL 1610 and includes the remaining major organ systems (cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory, digestive, and endocrine systems). Includes laboratory sections involving cat dissection. Laboratory required. Offered only at Lutheran School of Nursing. BIOL 2200 Biological Basis of Animal Behavior (3) Presents the key processes that affect animal behavior (internal mechanisms, development, social interactions, ecology, and evolution) and their significance. BIOL 3010 Human Anatomy & Physiology (3) An upper division course designed for biology majors familiar with the general principles of biological and chemical sciences. Initial discussions involve the relationships between macromolecules, metabolism, cytology and histology. This is followed by examinations of the Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System and Nervous System. Homeostatic regulation is presented as a function of the nervous system. Laboratory sessions involve microscopic examinations of cells and tissues and bones. Note: BIOL 3011 lab required. BIOL 3010 & 3011 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: BIOL 1550, BIOL 1551 & CHEM 1110, CHEM 1111 or permission of instructor. BIOL 3020 Human Anatomy & Physiology II: (3) An upper division course which follows BIOL 3010. Lecture discussions involve detailed examination of Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal, Digestive, Endocrine, Gastrointestinal Systems. Labs will involve feline dissections of these systems and examination of the musculature. Labs can also involve viewing of dissected human cadavers. Note: BIOL 3021 lab required. BIOL 3020 & 3021 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: BIOL 3010, BIOL 3011 or permission of instructor. BIOL 3050 Genetics (3) Overview of Mendelian and molecular genetics in bacteria, model eukaryotic organisms, and humans. Laboratory is required. BIOL 3050 and BIOL 3051 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: CHEM 2100. BIOL 3080 Cell Biology (3) Examines cellular structure and function in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. This course provides the foundation for understanding modes of cellular communication, such as channels, receptors, messenger systems, and cell cycle processes. Energy production, storage and utilization are also discussed. Prerequisites: BIOL 3080, BIOL 3081 and CHEM 3100 taken concurrently, or permission of instructor. BIOL 3120 Microbiology (3) A study of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa with respect to microbial genetics, diseases, and the host response to infection. Prerequisites: CHEM 2110 and BIOL 1560 or equivalent. BIOL 3150 Nutrition (3) Examines the physiologic importance of all major nutrients on an individual's health. Effects of both deficiencies and excesses of the nutrients will be studied. The relationship between energy balance (calories) and weight control is emphasized. Prerequisites: Junior standing. BIOL 3200 Ecology (3) Defines ecosystems, examines how they function, and how human intervention changes that function. Emphasizes world ecosystems. Laboratory required. BIOL 3200 and BIOL 3201 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: BIOL 1550 and BIOL 1560, or permission of the instructor. BIOL 3500 Biology and Society (3) Considers the interaction of culture and values with various medical and biological developments and the perceptions and use of these developments. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Does not count toward biology major. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor. BIOL 3600 Topics in Biology (1-4) Provides for in-depth analysis of issues and topics of specialized interest to advanced students in the life sciences. Topics have included: auto-immune disease, genetic components in medicine, maize genetics, pathophysiology of the respiratory system, and molecular genetics. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor. BIOL 3700 Plant Physiology (3) Examines the functions that support plant life: energy flow, growth and its regulation, nutrition, and transport of water and nutrients. Laboratory required. BIOL 3700 and BIOL 3701 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: BIOL 1560 and BIOL 1561, CHEM 2110, Junior standing. BIOL 4000 Methods in Molecular Biology (3) Provides hands-on training in basic techniques used in the analysis of genes at the molecular level. Techniques covered include manipulation of bacterial cloning vectors, restriction mapping, nucleic acid hybridization, PCR, and the use of computers to analyze DNA sequences. Prerequisites: BIOL 3080, BIOL 3081, CHEM 3100, CHEM 3101 or permission of instructor. Note: BIOL 4000 & BIOL 4001 must be taken concurrently. BIOL 4010 Evolution (3) Covers the development of evolutionary theory, from Darwin to the present. Examines theories of biological evolution and the data that support them. Readings will be original sources. Prerequisites: BIOL 3050 and junior standing. BIOL 4030 Pathophysiology (3) Examines the development of disease processes within the cell, organs, systems, and throughout the body. Reviews body organs, systems, and homeostatic mechanisms in detail. Explains the factors that induce and perpetuate pathologic change or provide compensation. Prerequisites: junior standing and CHEM 2110. BIOL 4050 Genome Organization and Expression (3) Reviews the structure and function of chromosomes, the regulation of gene expression, and the molecular basis of gene mutation. Special topics will include gene regulation during development, the genetic basis of cancer, and the use of transgenic model systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 3050, BIOL 3051, and BIOL 3080. BIOL 4100 Neurobiology (3-4) A general study of nervous systems, with special reference to the human. Relates structure to function. Prerequisites: BIOL 3010 or CHEM 2110 or equivalent. BIOL 4210 Advanced Physiology I (3) Course will include discussions of excitable tissues, cardiovascular system, renal function, respiratory system, and fluid/electrolyte/pH balance. Taught in first eight weeks of semester. Prerequisites: BIOL 1620, 1621 or BIOL 3020, 3021 or permission of instructor. Note: Biology majors who take BIOL 4210 must also take BIOL 4220. BIOL 4220 Advanced Physiology II (3) Course will include discussions of neuromuscular, endocrine, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems. Taught in second eight weeks of a semester. Prerequisites: BIOL 1620, 1621 or BIOL 3020, 3021 and BIOL 4210 or permission of instructor. Note: Biology majors who take BIOL 4210 must also take BIOL 4220. BIOL 4300 Immunology (3) Provides the student with a detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in protecting the body from infections and other potential sources of tissue damage. It examines the workings of the immune system and the interrelationships among its cell types. Prerequisite: BIOL 3080. BIOL 4400 Research Methods (3) Lecture and discussion of the research process from question formulation to planning, design, methodology analysis, and preparation of a research proposal. Prerequisites: CHEM 3100 and senior standing. BIOL 4430 Senior Thesis (4) Senior research project to be completed in the laboratory or field. Completion of the project will culminate with a scientific write-up in publishable format. Research results will be presented at a formal meeting with faculty and peers. Prerequisite: BIOL 4400. BIOL 4500 Virology (3) Investigates the fundamental processes of viral evolution, classification, infection of host, pathogenesis, and viral replication. The use of viruses in biomedical research will be presented in order to understand the methodologies for the isolation, identification, and detection of viruses. Prerequisites: BIOL 3050, 3051, BIOL 3080, 3081, CHEM 3100. BIOL 4600 Seminar in Biology (2) For senior biology majors. BIOL 4610 Reading Course (1-4) Prerequisites: permission of the department chair and filing of the official form. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Chemistry Course ListingsCHEM 1100 General Chemistry I (3) An introduction to the general principles of modern chemistry. The major topics discussed include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, and thermochemistry. In addition, the important classes of solution-phase reactions (acid-base, precipitation, and oxidation-reduction) are also treated. Laboratory required. CHEM 1100 and CHEM 1101 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: MATH 1430, College Algebra, concurrently or equivalent. CHEM 1110 General Chemistry II (3) A continuation of CHEM 1100. Major topics include kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, and the properties of solids, liquids, and solutions. Laboratory required. CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1111 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: CHEM 1100. CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I (3) An introductory study of the functional groups of organic compounds. Reaction mechanisms and structure determination are presented. Practical applications are stressed. Laboratory required. CHEM 2100 and CHEM 2101 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: CHEM 1100 and CHEM 1110. CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II (3) A continuation of the study of the common functional groups, mechanisms, and reactions. Introduction to biochemicals included. Laboratory required. CHEM 2110 and CHEM 2111 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: CHEM 2100. CHEM 3100 Biochemistry I (3) Studies the structure and function of proteins, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Molecular physiology is also reviewed. Laboratory required. CHEM 3100 and CHEM 3101 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: CHEM 2100. CHEM 3110 Biochemistry II (3) Studies metabolism and the techniques and principles of molecular genetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 2100 and CHEM 3100. CHEM 3200 Physical Chemistry I (3) Studies quantum chemistry with respect to the Schrodinger wave equation. Topics include the general principles of quantum mechanics as they relate to the harmonic oscillator, approximate methods, atoms, molecules, and spectroscopy. Prerequisites: MATH 1610 and MATH 1620 or permission of the instructor. CHEM 3210 Physical Chemistry II (3) Studies the development, the principles, and the applications of the zeroth, first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics. Solution chemistry and kinetics are also studied. Prerequisites: MATH 1610 and MATH 1620 or permission of the instructor. CHEM 3250 Environmental Chemistry (3) Covers an advanced study of the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere, soil, and natural waters. Both the natural chemistry and the anthropogenic effects on this chemistry are studied. An emphasis is placed on detailed chemical mechanisms, perturbed equilibrium kinetics, and the physico-chemical properties of gases, solutions, and solids. The laboratory is applied analytical chemistry of air, soil, and water, and includes fundamental instrumentation. Laboratory required. CHEM 3250 and CHEM 3251 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: CHEM 2100 and CHEM 2101. CHEM 3600 Topics in Chemistry (1-4) Courses under this title are designed for more advanced studies of subject matter covered in previous courses or for the treatment of material that has not been covered. The student is encouraged to suggest subjects for study. Topics might include quantum chemistry, thermodynamics, advanced kinetics, enzyme kinetics, advanced biochemistry, advanced organic or inorganic chemistry, bioenergetics, or the origin of life as examples. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor. CHEM 4610 Reading Course (1-3) Prerequisites: permission of the department chair and filing of the official form. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Physics Course ListingsPHYS 2030 University Physics I (4) Introduces physics, using a calculus-based approach to derivation of relationships. Content includes vectors, kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy, SHM, rotational motion, waves, and heat. Laboratory required. Also provides students an opportunity to participate in small-group discussions, problem solving tutorials and conceptual thinking exercises. PHYS 2030 and PHYS 2031 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: MATH 1610 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. PHYS 2040 University Physics II (4) Continues PHYS 2030, covering electricity, magnetism, optics, and nuclear physics. Laboratory required. Also provides students an opportunity to participate in small-group discussions, problem solving tutorials and conceptual thinking exercises. PHYS 2040 and PHYS 2041 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: PHYS 2030. Science Course ListingsSCIN 1010 Topics in Physical Science (3) Explores physical science topics of general interest. May be repeated if content differs. SCIN 1100 Earth Science and the Environment (3) An introduction to planet Earth in space, the study of the structure of the Earth, the geological processes that control the development of the Earth's surface, and weather and climate. The student will be exposed to the following scientific disciplines: geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, and astronomy. The student will become familiar with the scientific basis for many day-to-day physical phenomena. Open to non-majors. Laboratory required. SCIN 1100 and SCIN 1101 must be taken concurrently. SCIN 1140 Science Units for the Elementary School (2) Familiarizes students with science units available for use in the grade level where they intend to teach. Each student selects a particular unit and, through individual work, explores the content of that particular unit and how it relates to the conceptual organization of the discipline from which it comes. The structured part of the course treats the content from one particular area (e.g., seeds or heat) and how this content can be treated in different frameworks. SCIN 1150 Astronomy (3) Presents information about the universe, along with the methods used to obtain the information. Observations of the sky and activities to be completed outside the class are used to acquaint students with phenomena visible to the naked eye. These observations are then used to find patterns in the sky. Includes laboratory. SCIN 1410 Patterns of Light and Sound (2) Much of reality is an interpretation of the patterns of light and sound produced by the environment. This course considers the description, organization, and significance of these patterns, with an emphasis on their physical bases. SCIN 1520 Environment (3) Concerns problems of the world ecosystems. Includes the nature of ecosystems, pesticides, water pollution, air pollution, solid waste, nonrenewable natural resources, energy, nuclear power, radioactivity, agriculture, human food supply, and environmental health. Laboratory required. SCIN 1520 and SCIN 1521 must be taken concurrently. Intended for non-majors. An American Studies course. An Environmental Studies course. SCIN 1600 Physical Geology (3) Examines the development of landforms, the types and characteristics of rocks in the earth's crust, and the use of topographic and geologic maps. Lab required. SCIN 1600 and SCIN 1601 must be taken concurrently. SCIN 3060 Methods in Science Teaching (3) Introduces methods of science teaching. The student is assigned to a teacher in the discipline of his or her interest for individual study. Prerequisites: science major and acceptance to the Teacher Certification Program or permission of the director of teacher certification and field experiences. SCIN 4610 Reading Course (1-4) Prerequisites: permission of the department chair and filing of the official form. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Health Science Course ListingsHLSC 1310 Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle (3) Introduces issues of wellness including theory, theorists, and developing a healthy lifestyle. Emphasizes principles of learning styles, health promotion, intimacy, grieving process, fitness, and alcohol and other drugs. Will also examine current research in the area of wellness and healthy lifestyles. HLSC 1340 Lifeguard Training (1) Covers basic swimming and water safety techniques, including personal water safety, public relations, accident prevention, surveillance, emergency preparation, and spinal injury. Prepares students to qualify for American Red Cross certification in life guarding, CPR, and first aid. Prerequisite: must be experienced swimmer or permission of instructor. HLSC 1350 Water Safety Instructor (2) Covers methods of instruction of all levels of swimming, infant through adult. Topics covered will include hydrodynamic principles, theories of learning, child development, program planning, and administration of swimming classes. Prepares students to qualify for certification as a Red Cross water safety instructor. Prerequisite: HLSC 1340 or Red Cross certification in water safety and life guarding, CPR, and first aid or permission of instructor. Life Long Fitness and SportsThese courses are designed for students to study the concepts of lifetime fitness through lecture, discussion, life style assessment, and health risk management and fitness activities. Students will meet the following objectives: 1) understand the basic concepts of physical fitness and the interaction of exercise and lifelong health; 2) participate in activities that promote the development of muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness; 3) become aware of their current level of fitness; 4) become aware of their own nutritional habits and needs; and 5) become familiar with stress theories and stress management techniques. A maximum of 4 credit hours may be applied toward graduation requirements. Class cannot be repeated for credit.
HLSC 1660 RAD (Rape, Aggression, and Defense) (1) An introduction to basic self-defense skills. The course includes an exploration of escape and avoidance strategies, offensive and defensive postures, defensive techniques, and simulated attacks. This course will also examine community services available for both violence prevention and victim abuse services. Fitness principles, such as strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, will be addressed, particularly in regard to the impact of personal fitness on one's ability to perform the self-defense skills. Note: For women only. HLSC 1670 RAD II (Rape, Aggression and Defense) (1) Advanced RAD. Builds on self-defense techniques and awareness, prevention and avoidance strategies learned in basic RAD, adding defenses against the edged weapon and firearm. Covers more prone defense strategies, multiple subject encounters, and low and diffused light simulation exercises. Prerequisite: HLSC 1660 offered in the fall semester or permission of instructor. Note: For women only. HLSC 3100 Diversity in Health (3) Examines the health issues of African, Latin, Native Americans, Asians, and Alaskans. Focus will be on health promotion and disease prevention. The most common health problems across gender and across ages will be included as well as how the media presents diversity issues. A multicultural studies minor course. HLSC 3200 Issues in Women's Health (3) Presents an overview of society's impact on women's health with a
discussion of how the women's health movement has introduced alternatives
to medical control. Explores women's common health concerns through
their lifespan with emphasis on preventive measures, health promotion
strategies, and treatment alternatives, including nontraditional approaches.
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
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