Program Codes:
BSBIO
Bachelor of Science
Introduction
Biology is the scientific study of life in all its astonishing forms from its origins some 4 billion years ago to the present day. This experimental science involves an examination of life on multiple scales from the molecular to the global. Though difficult to define, the study of life rests upon two fundamental notions. The first is that living systems operate via basic thermodynamic and kinetic principles. The second is the unifying concept of evolution, the most original and important idea of the modern era. Given these principles and great time, life has generated immense and complex diversity. Biologists strive to understand and manage this diversity by examining the genetic history and special features of each species as well as the interactions between each species and its environment.
On a more applied level, biologists are concerned with the impact humans have had and continue to have upon the environment and how, in turn, the environment affects our own quality of life. Additionally, new discoveries in biology often have social, political, economic, and ethical implications. Biology provides both the knowledge and the tools required to understand these complex problems and challenges.
Beyond the basic but substantive curriculum, several specialized programs are available through the Department of Biology. The Department’s newest specialized programs include Bioinformatics and Environmental Science with a concentration in Biology Field Studies. The environmental program is coordinated with a similar program in the Geology Department and students benefit from specialized training in both subjects. In support of the Environmental Science program, the Biology Department utilizes two natural areas owned by the University in the Erie area: The Jean B. and J. Douglas James Ecological & Wildlife Preserve on the Asbury Woods Greenway and the Mary Jo and Ed Maier Field Station located on Elk Creek near Lake City.
The Department is a full member and active participant in the Regional Science Consortium, a collaborative, non-profit organization which focuses on and coordinates educational and research projects for Lake Erie and the upper Ohio River Basin, offering college courses and research opportunities to students from more than a dozen regional colleges and universities at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle.
Consortium facilities available to Mercyhurst biology students include well-equipped research and teaching laboratories, classrooms, greenhouse, natural history collections, sampling equipment and research vessels.
Mercyhurst is a member of Beta Beta Beta, a national honor and professional society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.
Mercyhurst students who aspire to teach biology at the secondary level can earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, a Master of Science degree in Secondary Education, and become certified to teach grades 7 through 12, in a total of five years.
The course requirements for a biology major fit well with coursework necessary to apply to pharmacy, medical, veterinary, physician’s assitant, and dental schools, among other health professional programs. To increase opportunities for students interested in the health professions, the University has cooperative agreements with several professional schools.
Mission Statement
The primary goal of the Department of Biology is to provide thorough and basic training in the broad field of biology through a forwardlooking and comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and the development of a scientific perspective. This includes instruction by dedicated faculty in each of the principal areas within biology and supporting coursework in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Central to the program is the Department’s commitment to experiential learning through rigorous laboratory exercises, hands-on field experiences, and the opportunity to participate in faculty-student collaborative research, travel courses, professional conferences, community service, and professional practicum training. Personal attention and close interaction between faculty and student provides the biology major with a solid core of learning, experience, and preparation, and the means to secure fulfilling employment or continue their education at the graduate and professional level.
Advising
A great college education depends upon human relationships and good advising is central to creating a positive educational environment for the student. Upon enrollment in the department an advisor is assigned to the student. Additional specialized faculty advisors are available for students in specific career alternatives including medicine and other health professions, secondary education and any of the concentrations offered by the department. These advisors assist the student with course selection, keep student records, monitor student achievements, and guide students through the application process to graduate and professional schools.
Biology Minor
BIO 142/143Cellular and Molecular Biology & Lab - 4 credits
BIO 146/147Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Organisms & Lab - 4 credit
Four (4) additional Biology courses 200 or higher - 12-16 credits
The Biology Department has identified four learning outcomes that all biology majors should meet before they earn their degree. Upon completion of the Biology curriculum all students should be able to:
The Biology Department offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology. Those who expect to attend graduate or professional schools after graduation are strongly encouraged to also pursue the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology. Biology majors must maintain a 2.50 GPA in the major program as well as an overall GPA of 2.50. Biology majors in the 4+1 accelerated program leading to the M.S. in Secondary Education must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the major program and overall. Students accepted to the 2+3 and 3+3 accelerated programs in Pharmacy must maintain an overall and science GPA of 3.40 with no grade lower than a “C”. Those enrolled in the 3+4 accelerated programs in Medicine must maintain an overall GPA of 3.40 and a science GPA of 3.20 with no grade lower than a “C”. Students earning a grade lower than “C” in a major or cognate course must repeat the class and earn a grade level of Pass.
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
Introduction to the physiological and molecular techniques and methodologies for studying cells, organelles and macromolecules in relation to cellular activities and maintenance of life.
BIO 142
BIO 147
A laboratory course that elucidates concepts taught in BIO 146 from a largely experimental perspective.
BIO 146
The study of the molecular control mechanisms regulating the dynamics of integrated metabolism in cells and organ systems. The structural and functional aspects of genes and the importance of their products as exogenous and endogenous controls of integrated cellular metabolism are emphasized.
BIO-142 CHEM-240
BIO 371
Principles of the structure and function of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, proteins and enzymes, along with an overview of intermediary metabolism and introduction to carbohydrate metabolism through the study of glycolysis.
CHEM 242
CHEM_332
Experimental work corequisite to CHEM 331 with a focus on basic biochemical techniques including molecular cloning, bioinformatics, and protein overexpression and purification.
CHEM 242
CHEM_331
A comprehensive survey of the pathways and regulation of intermediary metabolism. Topics include anabolic and catabolic aspects of carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleotide metabolism, photosynthesis and respiration, and the integration and regulation of mammalian metabolism.
CHEM 331
CHEM_339
Choose one of the following:
A comparative study of the organ systems of the vertebrate animals from an evolutionary and developmental perspective.
BIO-146
BIO 321
The detailed dissection of representative vertebrates.
BIO 320
A detailed study of plant anatomy from the tissue level to gross anatomical structures. Emphasis will be given to the adaptive advantage of various structural features, including adaptations to water, drought, cold and predation. Developmental patterns will also be discussed.
BIO 323
Principles covered in BIO 322 will be investigated through studies of live plant materials, microscopy, and models. Field and laboratory investigations will be made with emphasis on local plant life.
BIO 322
Choose one of the following:
This course includes the study of water and temperature regulation, high altitude, exercise and circadian physiology. It also includes a major library research project.
BIO 146
Choose one of the following:
An introduction to the major divisions of nonvascular and vascular plants. Includes basic studies of plant taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, growth, evolution and ecology.
BIO 146
BIO 211
Field and laboratory experiences in plant morphology, identification, ecology, and experiments in plant physiology.
BIO 210
Choose one (1) of the following:
Introduction to the diverse ecosystems of California including coastal beach and dune, tide pools, redwood forest, oak woodland, numerous montane forests, subalpine woodland, and high desert. This course is a course done during a 12-day field trip to northern California following conclusion of spring semester, staying in campgrounds in tents and/or cabins overnight. Students will learn the dominant plants of California ecosystems, important aspects of their ecology, and the history and future of human disturbance in those ecosystems.
This course introduces students to the field of conservation biology and its main goal of biological preservaion of all forms. Students will learn some of the basic principles of population genetics, population ecology, and community ecology that are necessary for understanding how to protect individual species and populations. In addition, much of the class will examine the complex, interdisciplinary approach conservation biologists take in achieving their goals, including policy,ethics, and the nuts and bolts of how to protect habitat and build/manage protected areas.
Choose at least two (2) additional BIO courses (6 credits) numbered 200 or higher.
Practical off-campus experience in a hospital, private industry, or governmental agency. Students carry out field, laboratory, or other tasks appropriate for a professional biologist. In addition to routine work responsibilities, participants are expected to complete an independent project involving data analysis and prepare a formal written report on the experience.
Experimental work corequisite to General Chemistry I.
CHEM 121
Experimental techniques corequisite to CHEM 240. Crystallization, distillation and other methods used for the isolation and purification of organic compounds. Corequisite: CHEM 240. 1 credit.
CHEM 132
CHEM 240
This course is an algebra-based physics course designed both for students with science majors and as a laboratory science course in the core curriculum. A working knowledge of algebra and the basics of trigonometry are required. The major topics that will be covered include: Newtonian mechanics, circular motion, energy, momentum, rotational motion and Fluid mechanics. Though concepts of physics will be discussed in detail, the focus of the course will be problem-solving techniques.
MATH 112 OR MATH 118 OR MATH 170
PHYS 103
Laboratory experience to accompany Principles of Physics I.
PHYS 101
This is a calculus-based course that is designed for natural science and mathematics majors, (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth-space science education, mathematics). The role of physics in other scientific fields will be emphasized as classical mechanics is covered. This portion of the General Physics series will deal strictly with mechanics; topics include: motion in one-, two- and three-dimensions, the laws of motion, work, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy, linear and rotational motion, and the prediction of motion based on initial conditions.
MATH 170
PHYS 203
Laboratory experience to accompany General Physics I.
PHYS 201
This course is a continuation of Principles of Physics I; thus similar mathematical skill level requirements apply. Additionally, this course in the series continues to emphasize the application of physics to other fields. Topics include vibrations, wave motion, light and optics, and electricity & magnetism.
PHYS 101
PHYS 106
Laboratory experience to accompany Principles of Physics II.
PHYS 102
This course is a continuation of General Physics I; calculus skills are required. Topics include: waves, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and thermodynamics. Problem solving and the relationships between physics and the fields of biology, biochemistry, and chemistry continue to be emphasized.
MATH 171, PHYS 201
PHYS 206
Laboratory experience to accompany General Physics II.
PHYS 202
This is the initial course in a sequence of courses on the fundamental ideas of the calculus of one variable intended for science and mathematics majors. It is here that truly significant applications of mathematics begin. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are functions, continuity, limits, derivatives, maxima and minima and antiderivatives and an introduction to integration. Prerequisite: MATH 118 or MATH Placement score of at least 70.
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
A second math course numbered 109 or higher; STAT 137 Biostatistics highly recommended.