Biology Major: Microscopy Option
Why study biology and microscopy at CMU?
The biology-related programs provide students with a strong background to prepare them for future careers or graduate study in biology. Consider some key features distinguishing these programs:
- Advanced facilities, including research laboratories, an animal room, a computer laboratory, electron microscopes, and a greenhouse
- The only university in Michigan and one of two in the Midwest that operates an island research station - the CMU Biological Research Station on Beaver Island located in northern Lake Michigan
- Fieldwork opportunities at Neithercut Woodland, located just miles north of CMU's campus
- CMU is the only university in the nation with a bachelor's degree option in microscopy
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of biological scientists is projected to grow 9 to 17 percent.
- Recent budget increases at the National Institutes of Health have led to large increases in federal research and development expenditures.
- New industrial applications of biotechnology, such as changing how companies make ethanol for transportation fuel, also will spur demand for biological scientists.
Career options
Graduates of the biology-related programs at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Biological Researcher
- Cell Biologist
- Elementary or High School Teacher
- Forestry Technician
- Microscopist
- Soil Scientist
- University or College Professor
- Veterinarian
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoologist
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Biology Major: Microscopy Option
Microscopy Option is for students who plan a career as a biological microscopist. Research laboratories, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, chemical companies, food processing laboratories, and forensic laboratories are areas in which opportunities exist for microscopists.
( Total: 67-71 semester hours
A chemistry minor is suggested. )
4
BIO 110 Concepts of Biology
Fundamental concepts of biology including the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, molecular and transmission genetics, evolution and ecology. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement (Group II-A). May be applied towards fulfilling the requirements of any Biology major or minor. Students may only earn credit in one of the following: BIO 101, BIO 105, or BIO 110. Recommended: High school chemistry or CHM 120 and 127 or 131 or 161.
3
BIO 203 General Botany
Study of the structure, function, physiology, evolution, diversity and ecology of plants. Prerequisites: One of the following: BIO 101, 105 or 110
3
BIO 208 Microbiology
The biology of microorganisms: bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Prerequisites: One of the following: BIO 101, 105 or 110.
3
BIO 218 General Zoology
A general survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on phylogeny, taxonomy, structure, physiology, and ecology of type examples of the major phyla. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or BIO 105.
4
BIO 326 Genetics
The principles of heredity dealing with the location, transmission, structure and function of genes and the results of modern genetic techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 208; One of BIO 101, 105, 110.
3
BIO 340 Ecology
Interaction among plants, animals, man, and the environment. Prerequisite: Completion of University Program Group II (Natural Sciences) and a minimum of 45 hours of University credit.
(20-21 hours)
Required Courses
3
BIO 324 Cell Biology
Cellular structure and function, including biological molecules, membranes, signaling, bioenergetics and metabolism, the cell cycle, information flow, and other cellular processes. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or 218; 208; One of: BIO 101, 105, 110; One of: CHM 120, 127, 342 or CHM 131, 132 or CHM 161.
3
BIO 330 Light Microscopy
Principles and practice of biological light microscopy including sample preparation, use of dissecting, brightfield, and fluorescence microscopes and analysis of anatomy/histology of material. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of biology.
3-4
BIO 403 Undergraduate Research
Research experience for biology majors with 20 hours in biology and a B average. Requires planning with an advisor the semester prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: Permission of department chairperson; 20 credit hours of BIO courses completed with a B average.
4
BIO 550 Transmission Electron Microscope Technique
Biological specimen preparation and examination. Photographic aspects of electron micrograph production.
4
BIO 552 Scanning Electron Microscope Technique
Principles, practices and techniques of SEM, includes methods of specimen preparation and instruction in generating electron micrographs. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or BIO 330.
3
BIO 553 Confocal Microscopy
Principles and practice of biological confocal laser scanning microscopy, including sample preparation and the use of molecular probes. Recommended: BIO 324 and BIO 330.
(5-8 hours)
Other Requirements I
Select one of the following options:
4
CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 and 132 are recommended to constitute the standard one-year course for science majors. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 132 Introduction to Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131.
5
CHM 161 Principles of Chemistry
Intensive introduction to chemical principles for the well-prepared, motivated student. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirements. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B).
(7-8 hours)
Other Requirements II
Select one of the following options:
3
CHM 345 Organic Chemistry I
Overview of common organic reactions. Reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides, Ultraviolet/Visible, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry. Prerequisite: CHM 132 or 161.
3
CHM 346 Organic Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 345. Overview of common organic reactions of aromatic compounds, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, and amines. Prerequisite: CHM 345.
2
CHM 349 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Lab
Fundamental laboratory techniques in organic chemistry. Methods of synthesis, separation and purification of organic compounds. Introduction to applications of infrared and NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHM 345. Co-requisite: CHM 346.
4
CHM 342 Survey of Organic Chemistry
Elementary course covering the field of organic chemistry. Course meets the needs for entrance to some professional schools. No credit toward chemistry major or minor. Prerequisites: One of: CHM 120, 127, or CHM 132 or CHM 161.
3
CHM 421 Survey of Biochemistry
Introductory one-semester Biochemistry course. Intended for students in allied health fields, dietetics, and some biology programs. No credit toward Chemistry/Biochemistry major, Biology/Biomedical Sciences major or Chemistry minor. Prerequisites: CHM 342 or 346.
(10 hours)
Other Requirements III
Select one of the following options:
4
PHY 130 College Physics I
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131, PHY 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Prerequisites: MTH 106. (University Program Group II-B)
4
PHY 131 College Physics II
A continuation of PHY 130 that covers the topics of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 130.
1
PHY 170 College Physics Laboratory I
Experimental techniques of physics introduced by studying quantitative situations through error analysis, graphical analysis, small computer calculations, and linear measurements. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-Requisite: PHY 130. (University Program Group II-B)
1
PHY 171 College Physics Laboratory II
Laboratory experience for PHY 131. Introductory experimental techniques and instrumentation for electrical, optical, and nuclear phenomena. Prerequisite: PHY 170. Pre/Co-Requisite: PHY 131.
4
PHY 145 University Physics I
Normally the first physics course for majors and minors. Mechanics of single and many-particle systems, conservation laws, statistical concepts, and gravitational interaction. Pre/Co-Requisite: MTH 132. (University Program Group II-B)
4
PHY 146 University Physics II
Electromagnetic interaction, electrical circuits, electromagnetic radiation, and optics. Not open to those with credit in PHY 131. Prerequisite: PHY 145. Pre/Co-Requisite: MTH 133.
1
PHY 175 University Physics Laboratory I
Laboratory experience for PHY 145. Introduction to experimental techniques and the treatment of experimental data. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-Requisite: PHY 145. (University Program Group II-B)
1
PHY 176 University Physics Laboratory II
Laboratory experience for PHY 146. Introduction to electrical measurements and instrumentation. Introduction to techniques of optical measurements. Prerequisite: PHY 175. Pre/Co-Requisite: PHY 146.
(3 hours)
Other Requirements IV
( A higher-level math course may be substituted for MTH 106 )
3
MTH 106 Plane Trigonometry
Solutions of triangles, trigonometric equations, and identities. No credit in MTH 106 after credit earned in MTH 130. Course does not count toward a major, minor in mathematics except for students pursuing a B.S. in Ed., Elementary Emphasis. Recommended: one and one-half years of high school algebra; or successful completion of MTH 105 and one year of high school geometry. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
Biology electives to be selected in consultation with a biology advisor.