Department of Biology
Concentration in the Biology of Disease (Bachelor of Science in Biology)
Students on Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 requirements BIOLDISCON
Requirements
The concentration requires at least 15 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Required Lectures. Two (2) courses:
- BIOL-L 312 Cell Biology
- BIOL-L 321 Human Immunology
- BIOL-L 328 Disease Ecology and Evolution
- BIOL-M 380 Microbiology of Infectious Disease
BIOL-L 312 Cell Biology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Current views of the structure and function of cellular organelles and components, with emphasis on the flow of information through the cell, the metabolism that supports cellular functions, and differences among different specialized cells. Current techniques will be stressed.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-L 312 or BIOL-L 330.
BIOL-L 321 Human Immunology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and CHEM-C 101, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 312
- Description
- Introductory course exploring the basic components and function of the immune system, stressing mechanisms that protect humans against pathogens and also how its dysfunction can lead to autoimmune disease, allergy, and cancer.
BIOL-L 328 Disease Ecology and Evolution
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; AND BIOL-H 111 OR BIOL-L 112
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 211 AND BIOL-L 473
- Description
- Presents the theoretical framework of disease ecology to address special problems in disease biology, including the evolution of virulence, sexually transmitted diseases, reproduction and mate choice. Examines case studies of common infectious diseases. Combines informal lecture with discussion of key papers in the field.
BIOL-M 380 Microbiology of Infectious Disease
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Serves as a guide to the complex subject of infectious disease. Builds on basic biological principles to examine different agents of disease, the major modes of transmission, interaction of pathogens with the host immune system, and the ecological factors facilitating or inhibiting the emergence of epidemic disease.
- Advanced Skills Lecture. One (1) course:
- BIOL-L 411 Advanced Gene Regulation: Transcription, Epigenetics, and Human Disease
- BIOL-L 412 Analysis of Cancer Research
- BIOL-L 417
- BIOL-L 472 Microbiomes: Host and Environmental Health
- BIOL-L 485 Genetics, Models of Human Disease, and Critical Analysis of Biological Research
- BIOL-L 486 Advanced Cell Biology
- BIOL-L 487 Molecular Mechanism of Development and Disease
- BIOL-M 380 Microbiology of Infectious Disease
- BIOL-M 416 Biology of AIDS
- BIOL-M 440 Medical Microbiology: Lecture
- BIOL-Z 466 Endocrinology
BIOL-L 411 Advanced Gene Regulation: Transcription, Epigenetics, and Human Disease
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Examines recent scientific publications in gene regulation within a variety of organisms including yeast, Drosophila, mice, and humans. Students learn about new and emerging technologies being used to measure gene expression. Students also learn about human congenital disorders and diseases caused by dysregulation of transcriptional and epigenetic control systems.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-L 411 or MLS-M 430.
BIOL-L 412 Analysis of Cancer Research
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Analysis, inquiry, discussion, and critique of literature concerning cancer clinical trials, targeted cancer therapies, and diagnostic cancer tests. Critical thinking about cancer clinical trials, including their designs, claims and evidence, strengths and weaknesses, ethical problems, and implications.
BIOL-L 472 Microbiomes: Host and Environmental Health
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least sophomore standing
- Description
- We are covered with trillions of microorganisms that influence our health and well being. This course focuses on the diversity of these microorganisms but also those in nature, which together regulate the world we live in. Reading primary literature, class experiments, modeling, and group presentations.
BIOL-L 485 Genetics, Models of Human Disease, and Critical Analysis of Biological Research
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 311 or BIOL-S 311
- Description
- Explores the development of genetic manipulations and techniques (e.g. epistasis to CRISPR/Cas9) to address fundamental questions of life. Students will critically read and discuss primary literature.
BIOL-L 486 Advanced Cell Biology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 312
- Description
- Critical analysis of recent advances in the understanding of molecular organization and function of cellular structures, with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include membrane organization, cytoskeleton assembly and functions, signal transduction, cell-cycle regulation, protein sorting, and vesicle trafficking.
BIOL-L 487 Molecular Mechanism of Development and Disease
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 417
- Description
- Evaluation of classical and current molecular and genetic approaches to studying the development of eukaryotic organisms. Reading and discussion of molecular genetic studies of model systems that illuminate the processes underlying human development and, when disrupted, human disease.
BIOL-M 380 Microbiology of Infectious Disease
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Serves as a guide to the complex subject of infectious disease. Builds on basic biological principles to examine different agents of disease, the major modes of transmission, interaction of pathogens with the host immune system, and the ecological factors facilitating or inhibiting the emergence of epidemic disease.
BIOL-M 416 Biology of AIDS
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 312 and BIOL-M 430
- Description
- A detailed examination of the biology of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), its causative agent (HIV), the immune response, and available therapies. For senior biology or biochemistry majors or beginning graduate students.
BIOL-M 440 Medical Microbiology: Lecture
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and BIOL-M 250, BIOL-M 315, BIOL-M 316, or BIOL-M 380; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Covers microorganisms as agents of disease, host-parasite relationships, epidemiology, and chemotherapy.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-M 200 or BIOL-M 440.
BIOL-Z 466 Endocrinology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 112
- Description
- Mechanisms of hormone action from the molecular to the organismal level in vertebrates.
- Lecture Elective. One (1) course:
- Additional course from the Advanced Skills Lecture list
- BIOL-B 351 Fungi
- BIOL-L 312 Cell Biology
- BIOL-L 321 Human Immunology
- BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology (Approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies required)
- BIOL-L 413 Translational Medicine: From Bench to Bedside
- BIOL-M 430 Virology Lecture
- BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- CHEM-C 383 Human Biochemistry
- CHEM-C 483 Biological Chemistry
- CHEM-C 484 Biomolecules and Catabolism
- MSCI-M 480 Molecular Biology of Cancer: Cell Signaling and Fate
- MSCI-M 485 Physiology of Human Disease
BIOL-B 351 Fungi
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Notes
- R: Junior or senior standing
- Description
- Morphology, life histories, classification, genetics, physiology, development, ecology, medical and economic importance of fungi.
BIOL-L 312 Cell Biology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Current views of the structure and function of cellular organelles and components, with emphasis on the flow of information through the cell, the metabolism that supports cellular functions, and differences among different specialized cells. Current techniques will be stressed.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-L 312 or BIOL-L 330.
BIOL-L 321 Human Immunology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and CHEM-C 101, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 312
- Description
- Introductory course exploring the basic components and function of the immune system, stressing mechanisms that protect humans against pathogens and also how its dysfunction can lead to autoimmune disease, allergy, and cancer.
BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology
- Credits
- 2–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; BIOL-L 113; and BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Topics not related extensively in other courses. The topic will vary depending on the instructor and on student needs.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
BIOL-L 413 Translational Medicine: From Bench to Bedside
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Examines human diseases and recent drug approvals. Explores how basic science leads to development of new therapies. Presents important cell biological principles linked to diseases, methods of contemporary biological research, and the logic of experimental design and interpretation through critical analysis and discussion of primary research papers.
BIOL-M 430 Virology Lecture
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 311 and BIOL-L 312
- Description
- Viruses of plants, animals (including humans), and bacteria; emphasis on molecular biology of viral systems. Viruses and human disease such as cancer and AIDS; viruses and their evolution.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Intended for the junior or senior science major. Course in human physiology designed to introduce the senior undergraduate student to the function of the human body in health, disease, and extreme environments. Emphasizes how the different organ systems work to maintain homeostasis and how organ function is integrated. The content and key concepts are presented in order to provide students insight into the scientific process through problem-solving and exploration of resources. Utilizes experimental inquiry, case-based and problem-oriented methodology with students working in teams, and an emphasis on clinical application. The laboratory component is incorporated into the structure of the course.
BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Insects, with emphasis on evolution, distribution, behavior, and structure.
CHEM-C 383 Human Biochemistry
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- CHEM-C 341, CHEM-J 341, CHEM-S 341, or CHEM-R 340 with a grade of C- or higher
- Description
- Introduction to macromolecular structure, central metabolism, and chemical basis of biological information flow.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 383, CHEM-C 483, or CHEM-C 484.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
CHEM-C 483 Biological Chemistry
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- CHEM-C 342, CHEM-J 342, CHEM-S 342 or CHEM-R 340
- Description
- Introduction to structure, chemical properties, and interrelationships of biological substances.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 383, CHEM-C 483, or CHEM-C 484.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
CHEM-C 484 Biomolecules and Catabolism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- CHEM-C 342, CHEM-J 342, or CHEM-S 342
- Description
- Structure and function of cellular components and the generation of phosphate-bond energy.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 383, CHEM-C 483, or CHEM-C 484.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
MSCI-M 480 Molecular Biology of Cancer: Cell Signaling and Fate
- Description
- Introduce basic molecular, cellular and biochemical concepts of cell signaling, the mechanism by which cell fate is regulated and how mutations produce dysregulation of these functions. In addition, we will study how mutation in cell signaling and fate proteins influence physiology in the study of development of tumors, recruitment support from normal cells of the body, modulation of the immune system and metastatic spread. Also, learn how understanding the function of cell signaling and cell fate has been used to develop promising therapeutics used to treat specific cancers.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
MSCI-M 485 Physiology of Human Disease
- Description
- Course will explore the scientific and social aspects of three common diseases: diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Students will learn about these diseases through didactic lecture from a medical doctor. Students will observe clinics, doctors, and patients.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Laboratory. Two (2) courses:
- BIOL-B 352 Fungi: Laboratory
- BIOL-L 324 Human Molecular Biology Laboratory
- BIOL-M 315 Microbiology Laboratory
- BIOL-M 316 Molecular Microbiology Laboratory
- BIOL-M 435 Viral Tissue Culture Laboratory
- BIOL-M 445 Medical Microbiology: Laboratory
- BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2 Approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies required
- BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- BIOL-Z 469 Endocrinology Laboratory
- BIOT-X 325 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 2
- ANAT-A 464 Human Tissue Biology
BIOL-B 352 Fungi: Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Laboratory and field studies of fungi and their activities.
BIOL-L 324 Human Molecular Biology Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211
- Description
- Covers theory and molecular biology techniques used to study the human genome and human genes. Labs include isolation of DNA from cells and application of current techniques for DNA fingerprinting of macro- and microsatellites, telomere length estimation, SNP and Alu polymorphism analysis, gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, and computer analysis.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-L 323 or BIOL-L 324.
BIOL-M 315 Microbiology Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Description
- A conventional laboratory of exercises, demonstrations and discussions. The goal is to achieve proficiency in the principles and techniques necessary for the manipulation of microorganisms under aseptic conditions.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-M 255 or BIOL-M 315.
BIOL-M 316 Molecular Microbiology Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and one semester of college-level chemistry
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-M 250
- Description
- Laboratory of inquiry-based projects meant to build proficiency in aseptic technique, microbial cultivation, and molecular characterization of microbes.
BIOL-M 435 Viral Tissue Culture Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-M 430 or consent of instructor
- Description
- Laboratory will emphasize eukarytotic cell tissue culture and common virological assays used in research and clinical lab settings.
BIOL-M 445 Medical Microbiology: Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-M 255 or BIOL-M 315
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-M 440
- Description
- Laboratory methods of isolation and identification of microorganisms from normal and simulated disease conditions of the human.
BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Intended for the junior or senior science major. Course in human physiology designed to introduce the senior undergraduate student to the function of the human body in health, disease, and extreme environments. Emphasizes how the different organ systems work to maintain homeostasis and how organ function is integrated. The content and key concepts are presented in order to provide students insight into the scientific process through problem-solving and exploration of resources. Utilizes experimental inquiry, case-based and problem-oriented methodology with students working in teams, and an emphasis on clinical application. The laboratory component is incorporated into the structure of the course.
BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-X 150
- Description
- Second in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students continue guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Insects, with emphasis on evolution, distribution, behavior, and structure.
BIOL-Z 469 Endocrinology Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 312 and BIOL-Z 466
- Description
- Survey of various endocrine systems using molecular, cellular, and whole organism methodologies. Emphasis on structure, function, and regulation of endocrine glands and cells, and their roles in maintaining homeostasis within the organism.
BIOT-X 325 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 2
- Credits
- 3–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- BIOT-X 150
- Description
- Second in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students continue guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
ANAT-A 464 Human Tissue Biology
- Description
- Microscopic structure of mammalian (with emphasis on human) tissues and organs.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Biology Concentration Residency.
- Two (2) advanced (300–499 level) lecture courses in the concentration must be taken on the IU Bloomington campus
- Two (2) advanced (300–499 level) lab courses in the concentration must be taken on the IU Bloomington campus
- Concentration GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Concentration GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Concentration Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
- Concentration Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 9 credit hours in the concentration must be completed at the 300–499 level.
Concentration Area Courses
-
Courses that may apply toward the Credit Hours and GPA requirements in this academic program include all courses listed on the requirement course lists at the time the course was taken as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent.
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Concentration in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (Bachelor of Science in Biology) (CLBIMGNCON)
- Concentration in Integrative and Organismal Biology (Bachelor of Science in Biology) (INORGBICON)
Exceptions to and substitutions for concentration requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.