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The Academic Departments
Department of BiologyDaniel C. Criswell, Ph.D., ChairIntroductionThe Master of Science degree in Science Education emphasis in Biology offers post-baccalaureate students the opportunity for adding depth and meaning to previous educational, vocational, or non-vocational experiences, from a unique perspective on bioscience. Through advanced course work and research activities, the program addresses the hierarchy of biological organization with an emphasis on origins, diversification, and integration of biological components and systems. The theoretical approach of studying living systems is conducive to scientifically productive inquiry, fostering a capacity for critical thinking and developing skills for the evaluation of evidence. In the process of matriculation in the Master’s degree with an emphasis in Biology at ICRGS, some students may identify special interests leading them to pursue a more advanced degree in bioscience. Otherwise, this Master's program has immediate application to such vocations as small college or secondary level teaching, science writing, and communication in a variety of non-vocational intellectual pursuits. While the Biology curriculum is cohesive and structured for preparing the Master’s degree candidate, the majority of individual course offerings are open to students majoring in other areas and to individuals whose immediate objective may not be a Biology emphasis in the Master’s degree. The latter, including advanced undergraduates, are welcome in Biology courses of interest to them. Program objectivesThe ICRGS graduate who minors in Biology will be able to evaluate current biological literature and distinguish between biological origins perspectives. The ICRGS graduate who minors in Biology will be able to utilize a variety of resources to continue building on his or her biology knowledge base. The ICRGS graduate who minors in Biology will be able to demonstrate a depth of biological knowledge as it relates to the creationist perspective. The ICRGS graduate who minors in Biology will be able to proficiently communicate in writing and verbally the significance of biological support from a young earth origins perspective. Prerequisites for AdmissionStudents entering this course of study are expected to have completed during their undergraduate education the following course work: Biology – two semesters of general biology (or one semester each of zoology and botany), one semester in genetics, cell biology (or physiology), developmental biology, environmental biology (ecology), and anatomy and physiology; Chemistry – two semesters of general chemistry and two semesters of organic chemistry; Mathematics – one semester of introductory calculus and one semester of statistics; Physics – two semesters of general physics. Students with a minor emphasis in one of the other disciplines for the Master of Science degree desiring to enroll in one of the Biology courses will be counseled as to their appropriate preparedness for success in the Biology course of their choice. A score above the 60th percentile on the Biology GRE subject test would merit enrolment in Biology courses. Requirements for GraduationStudents choosing an emphasis in Biology must take 24 quarter hours from the biology courses offered, including three hours of field or laboratory work. Biological Origins (BI 501) is required for all students desiring a Minor in Biology. Course work is best understood taken in the sequence designated by course numbering and the time of year the courses are offered beginning with the fall quarter. CoursesBI 501 Biological Origins A survey focusing on the various theories of biological origin and diversification. Students will evaluate current theories of origins beginning with the origin of life and proceeding through the origin of cells, species, and man. All theories are reviewed in light of contemporary biological knowledge. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing between observation, hypothesis, evidence, and confirmation as applied to evaluating origins paradigms and their implications. (Prerequisites: SE 501 or consent of professor) BI 501L Biological Origins Laboratory An intensive one-week course designed to instruct Middle and High School teachers on how to integrate laboratory exercises into their curriculum. Instruction is based on teacher development in all phases of laboratory protocols with an emphasis on new developments in biotechnology and bioinformatics useful in Middle School and High School classrooms. Students in the course participate in 10 laboratory modules designed to increase skills in teaching observation, hypothesis, evidence, and confirmation when applied to the evaluation of origins, ethics, and their implications. (Prerequisites: admission to biology minor, SE 501 and BI 501) BI 502 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy In this class comparative vertebrate anatomy will be taught using texts and resources from a variety of origin philosophies. Scientific knowledge so gained will enable the student to evaluate the origin theories as presented. To be taken concurrently with BI 502L. (Prerequisites: admission to biology minor SE 501, BI 501, admission to biology minor and/or consent of professor) BI 502L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory This lab will concentrate on the structures of the various vertebrate classes. To enable practical application there will be weekly teaching adventures involving an evaluation of origin issues. We will concentrate on known facts and consider which paradigm of origins the facts fit best. To be taken concurrently with BI 502. (Prerequisites: admission to biology minor, SE 501, BI 501 or consent of professor) BI 503 Principles and Patterns in Paleontology Comparisons of criteria used to classify fossils and extant forms are analyzed in Systematic Paleontology for patterns used to propose and defend models for the origin and history of major taxonomic groups. (Cross-listed with GE 503) BI 503L to be taken concurrently. (Prerequisites: admission to biology minor, SE 501, BI 501, BI 502 with lab or consent of professor) BI 503F Paleontology Field Investigations Collect and identify fossils, especially from the Ice Age; participate in hands-on workshops; investigate fossil evidence relating to origins. Must be taken concurrently with BI 503 or after completion of BI 503. (Prerequisites: admission to biology minor, SE 501, BI 501, BI 502 with lab, or consent of professor) BI 504 Advanced Ecology with Laboratory A model is presented for how the biosphere is designed and structured and how it functions. Communities, ecosystems, and biomes are examined to see how they fit the model. Mankind's role in managing the earth is discussed and evaluated. Possible solutions to various environmental problems are evaluated. Field work is integrated with coursework. (Prerequisites: SE 501) BI 505 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology A survey of the molecular processes governing inheritance and an investigation into the variation of these processes and their limits. Special consideration is given to current molecular topics related to the origin of biochemical pathways. (Prerequisites: SE 501, BI 501). BI 510 Special Topics in Biology Hands-on courses offered as the need arises for various topics in Biology. |
* Pursuant to California and Federal law, ICRGS currently offers an M.S. in Science Education, mostly online, to qualified students who are not Texas residents. ICR is currently examining its legal options regarding how it can best serve the educational "gaps" of Texas residents.