B.S. in Biophysical Sciences

Cosmogony and developmental biology, diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and ecology.  Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in BIOL 121.

Viruses and microorganisms: morphology, taxonomy, genetics, physiology, pathogenicity and biodiversity.  Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in BIOL 122 and CHEM 121.

Physiology and genetics of the immune response: serology, cellular mechanisms and signaling, generation of diversity, immune dysfunction and diagnostics.  Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in BIOL 321.

Qualitative and quantitative techniques and methods used in chemical experimentation. Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite:  B- in MATH 102 or equivalent or department chair approval.

Synthetic and analytic methods with organic and inorganic compounds.  Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in CHEM 121.

Carbon-based compounds: separation, purification and analytic principles and applications in biologic and industrial processes.  Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in CHEM 122.

Carbon-based compounds: synthesis, derivatives and characterization. Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in CHEM 221.

Structure, function, analysis and cellular control mechanisms of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.  Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in CHEM 222.

A second course in calculus and analytic geometry.  Techniques and applications of integration.  Introduction to differential equations.  Parametric equations and polar coordinates.  Infinite series and power series.  Prerequisite: MATH 211.

Structure, purposes and limitations of the scientific method; big questions pertaining to science since classical times; presuppositions and epistemology in a scientific world.

The origin, state, and physical aspects of the universe in general and the Earth in particular with concentration on research methods, assumptions, and current findings.  Prerequisite: GENE 100.

An exploration of probabilistic processes in biology and physical aspects of design. An examination of the role of truth in science and mathematical models as support. Prerequisites: PHYS 221 and 222.

Evolutionary theory, mechanisms of speciation, and phylogenetic evidence. Includes exploration of various theories pertaining to human origins, strengths and weaknesses of each.  Prerequisite: GENE 100.

Historical development and philosophies of bioethics especially in light of medical life extension and value, costs, in vitro fertilization, eugenics, and genetic modification of the human genome. A Christian perspective of bioethics is presented, including specific focus on the imago Dei.  Prerequisite: GENE 100.

Capstone course for the Biophysical sciences major which includes and the development of a culminating thesis based on research and a student portfolio developed through the student’s academic career.

Calculus based solutions in mechanics, heat, and sound.  Applied Newtonian mechanics in single and multiple dimensions, cosmology and astronomical organization. Three credit hour lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in MATH 212.

Calculus based solutions in electricity, magnetism, and optics.  Three credit hour lecture with one credit hour lab.  Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or better in PHYS 221.