Department of Biology & Chemistry
Purpose
The Department of Biology and Chemistry provides baccalaureate programs in biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental biology, forensic science, biopsychology, zoo and wildlife biology, zoology, and biochemistry, and services courses in biology and chemistry for Resident and Online Programs. Our programs seek both to transmit and expand knowledge as well as to provide opportunities for research and service. The Department is a community of persons who are voluntarily linked in the pursuit of knowledge, providing a reasoned presentation of these academic disciplines in relation to the Christian faith. The Department’s mission is to communicate academic content, Christian values, and requisite skills, all of which prepare persons for a lifetime process of learning and service.
Teacher Licensure
Teacher preparation and endorsement in Biology and Chemistry is available through the Department of Biology and Chemistry. Those wishing to pursue teacher-related programs should seek information from the Teacher Licensure Office in the School of Education. Licensure information is also available at http://www.liberty.edu/uguide.
Pre-Med Honor Society
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Blais
The purpose of the Pre-Med Honor Society is to give recognition to students who have excelled in the biology and chemistry curricula or any other Liberty University major. Members of the Pre-Med honor society are exemplary for their high academic achievement, strong personal characteristics and their deep commitment to helping others.
Criteria for Membership
A student must have:
- Maintained a GPA of at least 3.50 in any major field of study, and
- A deep interest in becoming medical doctors.
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Major (B.S.)
- Biology & Chemistry Minors
- Biomedical Sciences Major (B.S.)
- Biopsychology Major (B.S.)
- Biotechnology Major (B.S.)
- Chemistry Major (B.S.)
- Environmental Biology Major (B.S.)
- Forensic Science Major (B.S.)
- General Biology Major (B.S.)
- Zoo & Wildlife Biology Major (B.S.)
- Zoology Major (B.S.)
- Chemical Technician
- Chiropractic School
- Dental School
- Environmental Biology
- Forensic Scientist
- H.S. Biology Teacher
- H.S. Chemistry Teacher
- Junior Toxicologist
- Laboratory Research Assistant
- Medical School
- Medical Technologist
- National Park Ranger
- Osteopathic School
- Pharmacy School
- Physician Assistant
- Veterinary School
Graduate School and Research in:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Wildlife Management
Biology Courses
An examination of the fundamental characteristics common among living things. Emphasis is placed upon studies of the cell, energy, metabolism, reproduction, heredity, ecology, phylogeny and the diversity of life.
Offered: Resident and Online
An examination of structure, function, development and homeostatic interaction in higher organisms with special emphasis on human body systems.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: BIOL 101 (may be taken concurrently)
Laboratory exercises selected to demonstrate basic biological concepts. Emphasis is on plant and animal cell chemistry, composition and function, organismal structure and function, biological diversity and population ecology.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 (may be taken concurrently)
Laboratory exercises selected to demonstrate basic biological concepts. Emphasis is placed on structure and function in higher organisms, development, behavior, parasitism, and the history of life.
Offered: Resident
An examination of the fundamental principles of microscopic organisms. Microorganisms are examined with regard to cell structure, metabolism, heredity, diversity and taxonomy. The basic concept of genetic engineering, pathogenicity, human disease, and immunology are presented.
Registration Restrictions: Restricted to Family and Consumer Sciences and health-related majors
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 203 (may be taken concurrently)
Offered: Resident
An examination of the fundamental principles of microscopic organisms. Microorganisms are examined with regard to cell structure, growth, heredity, diversity, and epidemiology. The basic concepts of pathogenicity, immunology, human disease, and genetic engineering are presented.
Registration Restrictions: Restricted to online students with an RN license pursuing a BSN.
Offered: Online
A study of the structure and function of the human body with emphasis on cells, tissues, skin, nerves and special senses, muscle bones, and coordination and control of body movements. Concepts in physiology, including the maintenance of homeostasis, will be discussed.
Note: May not be used for general education credit except in conjunction with BIOL 215. (Formerly BIOL 211 lecture)
Offered: Resident
Laboratory exercises selected to demonstrate principles of human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on foundational concepts such as homeostasis, anatomical terminology, the chemistry of living things and the structure and function of cells and tissues. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous body systems are examined via hands-on exercises and dissection of preserved specimens. (Formerly BIOL 211 Lab)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 213
A continuation of BIOL 213. A study of the structure and function of the human body with emphasis on the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Concepts in physiology, including the maintenance of homeostasis, will be discussed.
Note: May not be used for general education credit except in conjunction with BIOL 213. (Formerly BIOL 212 Lecture)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 214 and (BIOL 215 (may be taken concurrently) or BIOL 313 (may be taken concurrently))
Laboratory exercises selected to demonstrate principles of human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the structure and function (including hands-on clinical analyses) of the cardiovascular, endocrine, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Exercises include hand-on clinical analyses and dissection of preserved specimens. (Formerly BIOL 212 Lab)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: Placement Score-Math with a score of 75 or SAT Section Math with a score of 530 or (pre2016 post1995)SAT Math with a score of 500 or ACT Composite with a score of 20 or MATH 121 or MATH 122 or MATH 125 or MATH 126 or MATH 128 or MATH 130 or MATH 131 or MATH 201 or MATH 2XX or (BIOL 101 and BIOL 103) or BIOL 215
An introduction to the fundamental principles of Biology. Emphasis is placed upon scientific methodology; molecular, cellular and energetic bases of life; major metabolic processes; cellular and organismic reproduction; Mendelian and population genetics; speciation; phylogenetic reconstruction; ecological interactions; and a brief survey of organisms. Restricted to Biology and pre-professional students. (Formerly BIOL 200)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: (pre2016 post1995)SAT Math with a score of 500 or SAT Section Math with a score of 530 or ACT Composite with a score of 20 or Placement Score-Math with a score of 75 or MATH 121 or MATH 122 or MATH 125 or MATH 126 or MATH 128 or MATH 130 or MATH 131 or MATH 201 or MATH 2XX or (BIOL 101 and BIOL 103) or BIOL 215 and BIOL 224 (may be taken concurrently)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 224
Survey of the major phyla of the Kingdoms Animalia, and Protista including classification, development, morphology, anatomy, and physiology Emphasis is placed on mammalian systems including support and movement, circulation and respiration, hormonal and nervous control, homeostasis, digestion, immunity and reproduction. (Formerly BIOL 208)
Offered: Resident
Offered: Resident
A directed practical work experience under the supervision of the Chair of Biology, in the student's area of career interest. Application processed through the Career Center. Must apply semester prior to internship.
Registration Restrictions: Sophomore status, 2.00 GPA, two courses in major, declared major, not more than one CSER behind
Offered: Resident
A study of the principles of heredity with emphasis on inheritance in individuals and populations, chromosomal rearrangements, the chemistry of the gene in DNA structure and replication, transcription, translation, the control of gene expression, mutations and their repair, genetic engineering and epigenetic.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: (BIOL 208 and CHEM 122) or (BIOL 225 and CHEM 122) or (BIOL 215 and BIOL 216 and BIOL 224 and CHEM 122)
Offered: Resident
An introduction to micro-organisms with emphasis on principles and techniques of culture and identification, life processes, and diversity of micro-organisms.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 225
A study of major protozoan, helminth, and insect parasites, dealing with their form, function, life cycle, pathology, epidemiology, classification, geographical distribution, treatment and control.
Offered: Resident
A study of the biochemical and biophysical processes of plants. Emphasis is given to plant-soil water and mineral relations, nutrient cycling, photosynthesis and carbon metabolism, and plant growth and development.
Offered: Resident
An examination of the interrelationships between organisms and biotic and abiotic factors in their environment. The emphasis of the lab is the collection and statistical analysis of quantitative ecological data.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or Senior status
Note: Offered fall semester
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 225
This lecture course examines the structures of the human body using both systemic and regional approaches with emphasis on clinical applications and common pathologies. Special attention is placed on gross anatomy that is important in general practice, emergency medicine and surgery while demonstrating anatomy's relationship to physical examination and diagnosis. An overview of the body systems is followed by a special focus on the thoracic, abdominal, pelvic and lower limb regions.
Offered: Resident
This course examines the anatomical, genetic, and behavioural characteristics that both unite mankind and distinguish humans from apes and other animals. Biological variation in modern and ancient man will be explored.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 224
A survey of the Fungi, Protista, and Plantae kingdoms with an emphasis on the morphology, physiology, anatomy, taxonomy, ecology, reproduction, and phylogeny of plants. The lab includes collection and analysis of experimental data on plants both in the lab and field. (Formerly BIOL 207)
Offered: Resident
An introduction to the study of insects including structure, physiology, life histories, ecology and taxonomy with a special emphasis on those insects of medical and economic importance.
Offered: Resident
A comparative study of the structure and relationships of vertebrate animals.
Offered: Resident
A study of the micro-structure and function of the human body with emphasis on biochemistry, cell physiology, and organismal pathology.
Offered: Resident
An introductory course designed to provide the student with an understanding of the general principles and methodologies used in forensic DNA profiling (or typing). Topics covered include the historical development of DNA profiling methods, alternative procedures employed in forensic laboratories, current DNA typing techniques, and the ongoing development of new forensic DNA typing methods. Students will learn to present forensic DNA evidence in a mock trial. The mock trial, complete with a judge, a counsel for the prosecution and for the defense, and a jury, challenges the students both scientifically and legally in a simulated courtroom setting.
Offered: Resident
BIOL 371 - Vertebrate Paleontology (3 hours)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 225
Human physiology is the study of the functions of the body and how it maintains homeostasis. This lecture course examines those functions from a cellular and molecular basis using a systemic approach. Special attention is placed on medically vital systems including the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and endocrine systems. The course will be of use and interest to students intending to go to medical school or other health-related fields.
Offered: Resident
The preparation and presentation of a paper, discussion of presentations, and/or the discussion of articles in the scientific literature. This course can be repeated and up to 4 hours can be applied toward the major. Restricted to Biology majors and minors.
Offered: Resident
Students will be exposed to topical areas in Forensic Science by presentations conducted by expert guest speakers and/or by readings and discussions of the most recent forensic techniques and applications. Seminars will help prepare students to be leaders in the field of forensic science as law enforcement professionals, crime scene investigators, or forensic laboratory specialists. An oral presentation on a research topic by each student required.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 415
Fundamentals of early development and experimental analysis of development systems and a descriptive and comparative study of organogenesis with emphasis on vertebrates.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 225
An introduction to the mechanisms and functional significance of animal behavior. Topics include: the role of genes, development, the nervous system, and the endocrine system in the expression of behavior; learning communication, orientation and navigation, and habitat selection; feeding, reproductive, and parenting strategies; mating systems and social behavior. Labs will employ both observational and experimental methods in the lab and in the field.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 310 and (RSCH 201 or Inquiry Research with a score of 80 or Research with a score of 80 or Research (prior to 2017-2018) with a score of 80)
Field and lab methods used by government and industry to assess the impact of a pollutant upon an ecosystem including toxicity testing, in stream evaluations of macro invertebrates and fish, exposure and risk assessment modeling.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 301 and CHEM 301 (may be taken concurrently) and (RSCH 201 or Inquiry Research with a score of 80 or Research with a score of 80 or Research (prior to 2017-2018) with a score of 80)
A study of the organization and function of living matter at the cellular level. Special emphasis will be given to the integration of molecular and cellular interactions for the maintenance of life.
Offered: Resident
A study of the organization and function of living matter at the cellular level. Special emphasis will be given to the integration of molecular and cellular interactions for the maintenance of life.
Prerequisite: BIOL 225 and CHEM 122 and (RSCH 201 or Inquiry Research with a score of 80 or Research with a score of 80 or Research (prior to 2017-2018) with a score of 80)
A comparative study of the differences and similarities in the functional processes of animals belonging to various animal groups in a variety of environmental settings.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 208 or BIOL 225
A study of the life history of the vertebrates with special emphasis on their taxonomy, life cycles, and ecological relationships. Vertebrates native to central Virginia will receive special attention.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 225
An introduction to the study of birds including anatomy, physiology, life cycle, behavior, population biology, ecology, and taxonomy. The emphasis of lab will be on field techniques of identification and study of species native to Virginia.
Offered: Resident
A comprehensive view of the basic principles of the immune system of living organisms, with particular emphasis on humans. It examines the cells and tissues of the immune system, describes the structure and function of immunoglobulins, and examines their interactions with antigens.
Offered: Resident
An introductory course designed to explore the use of insects and other arthropods in the field of forensic science as it pertains to the investigations of human and animal deaths and abuse, food and other product contamination, thefts, the illegal drug trade, and unethical entomological practices. The use and presentation of this information from such investigations in court room proceedings will be discussed.
Offered: Resident
An investigation of neurons and the nervous system. Topics include action potential, synaptic transmission and neuromodulation; the processing of sensory information in visual and auditory systems, and other senses; sensory integration and motor behaviors; neural mechanism of learning and memory, sleep/wakefulness, and reward and decision-making.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: BIOL 415
This course covers the basic molecular biological techniques involved in the study of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Specific techniques include: PCR; DNA cloning; library screening; proteomics and the use of gene sequence databases; and molecular modeling. (Formerly BCHM 455)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: (BIOL 301 or BIOL 361 or CHEM 321 or CJUS 330 or CJUS 340) and (RSCH 201 or Inquiry Research with a score of 80 or Research with a score of 80 or Research (prior to 2017-2018) with a score of 80)
This integrated laboratory course will introduce the student to techniques currently used in forensic DNA FNA profiling crime laboratories. Laboratory activities include extraction and quantification of DNA from biological sources and the use of PCR-based techniques to generate DNA profiles. Additional activities will include solution preparation, sample processing, handling and preservation, recordkeeping (e.g., chain of custody), data interpretation and report generation. Other topics include the historical development of DNA typing methods, alternative procedures employed in laboratories, and the ongoing development of new DNA typing methods. Legal issues associated with quality control, frequency or probability estimates, and admissibility will also be presented.
Offered: Resident
This course will introduce students to the principles and methods used in the analysis of forensic trace and impression evidence. Students will evaluate trace and impression evidence, such as hairs, fibers, soil, glass, paint, firearms, ammunition components, toolmarks, and blood splatter, using various instruments (e.g., forensic comparison microscopes, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy) and techniques used in Federal, state and private forensic laboratories. Emphasis will also be placed on chain of custody, reporting results and expert witness testimony.
Offered: Resident
The preparation of a paper based on library, laboratory, and/or field research of a problem selected after consultation with the biology faculty. Limited to students planning to pursue graduate studies in biology. Only four (4) hours may count toward the biology major.
Registration Restrictions: Sixteen (16) hours of biology and consent of instructor and Department Chairman
Offered: Resident
BIOL 497 - Special Topics in Biology (1 to 3 hours)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: (BIOL 200 and BIOL 207 and BIOL 208) or (BIOL 200 and BIOL 211 and BIOL 212)
A directed practical work experience under the supervision of the Biology Faculty Intern Advisor, in the student's area of career interest. Applications are processed through the Biology Department Faculty Intern Advisor. Applicants must apply the semester prior to starting the internship. This course is pass/fail.
Registration Restrictions: 3.00 GPA and Junior or Senior Standing and 21 hours completed in Biology (including 16 hours upper level Biology) and a declared major in the Biology and Chemistry department; not more than one CSER behind.
Offered: Resident
Chemistry Courses
A study of the basic areas of general chemistry at an introductory level for the non-science major, including atomic and molecular structure; bonding, stoichiometry; and acids, bases and salts.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: MATH 110 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 201 (may be taken concurrently) or BUSI 230 or ACT Math with a score of 20 or (pre2016 post1995)SAT Math with a score of 550 or SAT Section Math with a score of 570 or MATH 108 (may be taken concurrently) or Assessment - Mathematics II with a score of 15 or MATH 121 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 131 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 132 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 126 (may be taken concurrently) or Placement Score-Math with a score of 070
A study of the basics of general and organic chemistry at an introductory level, including atomic structure, bonding, acids and bases, organic functional groups and selected organic reactions.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 107 (may be taken concurrently)
Offered: Resident
Online Prerequisite: MATH 110 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 201 (may be taken concurrently) or BUSI 230 or (pre2016 post1995)SAT Math with a score of 550 or SAT Section Math with a score of 570 or ACT Math with a score of 20
A study of the basics of general and organic chemistry at an introductory level, including atomic structure, bonding, acids and bases, organic functional groups and selected organic reactions, with an emphasis on nursing applications. This course includes an independent hands-on microscale laboratory experience. Restricted to online students with an RN license pursuing a BSN.
Offered: Online
Prerequisite: MATH 121 or MATH 126 or MATH 131 or MATH 132 or ACT Composite with a score of 20 or SAT Section Math with a score of 530 or (pre2016 post1995)SAT Math with a score of 500 or Placement Score-Math with a score of 75
A study of the foundations of chemistry including: stoichiometry; atomic structure; chemical periodicity; covalent and ionic bonding; inorganic nomenclature; chemical reactions including aqueous precipitation, acid-base, and redox; basic thermodynamics in physical and chemical matter changes; electronic structure; molecular structure and polarity; gas laws.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 121 (may be taken concurrently)
Offered: Resident
A study of chemical topics including: behavior and properties of liquids, colligative properties of solutions; and properties of solids; kinetics; equilibrium; acids, bases, and other aqueous equilibria; entropy and free energy in chemical reactions; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; introductory organic and biochemistry.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: MATH 121 or MATH 125 or MATH 130 or MATH 131 or MATH 132 or MATH 201 or MATH 217 or MATH 1XX or MATH 2XX or MATH 3XX or MATH 4XX or ACT Math with a score of 25 or MATH SECTION SCORE with a score of 580 or Placement Score-Math with a score of 75
An in-depth study of the fundamental principles of chemistry including: stoichiometry; atomic theory, atomic structure, chemical periodicity; nature of covalent and ionic bonding; inorganic nomenclature; chemical reactions including aqueous precipitation, acid-base, and redox; basic thermodynamics in physical and chemical matter changes; electronic structure; molecular structure and polarity; gas laws. Examples are drawn from chemical, biological and materials systems.
Offered: Resident
An advanced undergraduate study of chemical topics including: behavior and properties of liquids, colligative properties of solutions; and properties of solids; kinetics; equilibrium; acids, bases and other aqueous equilibria; entropy and free energy in chemical reactions; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; introductory organic and biochemistry.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: (CHEM 131
Laboratory experiments are drawn from chemical and material systems which reflect the topics of the lecture course which is an in-depth experimental study of the fundamental principles of chemistry including: stoichiometry; atomic theory; atomic structure; chemical periodicity; nature of covalent and ionic bonding; inorganic nomenclature; chemical reactions including aqueous precipitation, acid-base, and redox; basic thermodynamics in physical and chemical matter changes; electronic structure; molecular structure and polarity; gas laws.
Offered: Resident
Advanced first year undergraduate laboratory experiments are drawn from chemical and material systems which reflect the topics of the lecture course which is an in-depth experimental study of the fundamental principles of chemistry including: behavior and properties of liquids, colligative properties of solutions; and properties of solids; kinetics; equilibrium; acids, bases, and other aqueous equilibria; entropy and free energy in chemical reactions; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; introductory organic and biochemistry.
Offered: Resident
A study of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, including nomenclature; optical activity; stereochemistry; substitution and elimination reactions; and ring systems.
Offered: Resident
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 301
A study of the nomenclature and reactions of alcohols, ethers, epoxides, ketones, aldehydes, esters and acids, aromatic systems; and numerous name reactions in synthesis.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 122
An introduction to analytical chemistry. Evaluation of data, gravimetric and titrimetric analysis, and an introduction to instrumental methods. These include spectrophotometry, chromatography, and potentiometric methods. (Formerly CHEM 221)
Note: Offered spring semester
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 321 and (RSCH 201 or Inquiry Research with a score of 80 or Research with a score of 80 or Research (prior to 2017-2018) with a score of 80)
Theory and practice of instrument-based chemical analyses. The course emphasizes the principles of analytical instruments and their applications in chemical sciences.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 302
The preparation and presentation of a paper, discussion of presentations and/or the discussion of articles in the scientific literature. This course can be repeated, and up to four hours can be applied toward the major. Restricted to Chemistry majors and minors.
Offered: Resident
This course is an in-depth study of the properties of real and ideal gases, thermodynamics, kinetics, changes of state, solutions, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, and electrochemistry.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 461
This course is a study of the foundational principles of quantum mechanics in atoms and molecules, molecular structure, spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 461 (may be taken concurrently)
This course is an in-depth study of laboratory techniques and the written expression in lab reports that follow the style of papers in chemistry periodicals for the properties of real and ideal gases, thermodynamics, kinetics, changes of state, solutions, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, and electrochemistry.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 462 (may be taken concurrently)
This course is a study of the lab skills associated with the foundational principles of quantum mechanics in atoms and molecules, molecular structure, spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: CHEM 302
A study of inorganic chemistry, including symmetry, structure, and bonding, as well as a survey of the descriptive chemistry of the elements.
Offered: Resident
Offered: Resident
CHEM 497- Special Topics in Chemistry (3 to 4 hours)
Offered: Resident
A directed practical work experience under the supervision of the Chemistry Faculty Intern Advisor, in the student's area of career interest. Applications are processed through the Chemistry Faculty Intern Advisor. Applicants must apply the semester prior to starting the internship.
Registration Restrictions: 3.00 GPA and Junior or Senior Standing and 20 hours completed in Chemistry (including 12 hours upper level Chemistry) and a declared major in the Biology and Chemistry department; not more than one CSER behind
Offered: Resident