Certificate in Human Biology

Students on Summer 2018, Fall 2018, or Spring 2019 requirements HMBIOLACRT

The Certificate in Human Biology provides a broad and rigorous introduction to the biological sciences and relates these sciences to the problems raised by relationships of human beings to one another and to their environment. This distinctive program is designed to meet societal demand for students with broad biological knowledge and a scientific approach to problem-solving, who also possess an understanding of the social and cultural issues facing them as scientists. What is the biological basis of life, diversity, and disease? What is the biological basis of human behavior? How do social forces influence science and our understanding of what it means to be human? These are samples of the types of broad questions that can be explored within the Certificate in Human Biology.

This program requires special admission. Please see the admission requirements section below.

Requirements

The certificate requires at least 29 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.

Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms. One (1) course:
- BIOL-E 112 Basic Biology by Examination II
- BIOL-H 111 Integrated Freshman Learning Experience I
- BIOL-L 112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms
BIOL-E 112 Basic Biology by Examination II
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Credit by examination for demonstrating an understanding of basic facts and concepts of the lecture content of BIOL-L 112.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of the following: BIOL-E 112, BIOL-L 100, BIOL-L 104, BIOL-L 112, or BIOL-Q 201.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-H 111 Integrated Freshman Learning Experience I
Credits
4
Prerequisites
Permission of IFLE Director/Biology Department
Description
Intensive seminar/laboratory experience exploring the interdisciplinary nature of the modern life sciences. The course will revolve around a central question chosen by the students and will analyze how life scientists from biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology, and neuroscience might contribute to the common understanding of a fundamental problem.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of BIOL-E 112, BIOL-H 111, BIOL-L 100, BIOL-L 104, BIOL-L 112, or BIOL-Q 201.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-L 112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms
Credits
4
Prerequisites
None
Notes
R: Previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM-C 117, CHEM-J 117, CHEM-H 117, or CHEM-S 117
Description
Integrated picture of manner in which organisms at diverse levels of organization meet problems in maintaining and propagating life.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of BIOL-E 112, BIOL-H 111, BIOL-L 100, BIOL-L 104, BIOL-L 112, BIOL-Q 201.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
Molecular Biology. One (1) course:
- BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology
- BIOL-S 211 Molecular Biology, Honors
BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology
Credits
3
Prerequisites
BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112; and CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
Description
Covers structure and function of DNA and RNA; DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition; mechanisms and regulation of gene expression; and the genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-S 211 Molecular Biology, Honors
Credits
5
Prerequisites
BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112; and CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
Notes
R: CHEM-C 341 concurrent
Description
Covers structure and function of DNA and RNA; DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition; mechanisms and regulation of gene expression; and the genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA. Course will be taught at an honors level.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of BIOL-S 211 or BIOL-L 211.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
Disease and the Human Body. One (1) course:
- MSCI-M 131 DISEASE AND THE HUMAN BODY
MSCI-M 131 DISEASE AND THE HUMAN BODY

Credits
3–3 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
None
Basic Human Anatomy. One (1) course:
- ANAT-A 215 BASIC HUMAN ANATOMY
ANAT-A 215 BASIC HUMAN ANATOMY

Credits
3–5 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
None
Physiology. One (1) course:
- BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- PHSL-P 215 BASIC HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
- PHSL-P 225
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.

PHSL-P 215 BASIC HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

Credits
4–5 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
None
Human Variation. One (1) course:
- BIOL-L 350 Environmental Biology
- ANTH-B 370 Human Variation
BIOL-L 350 Environmental Biology
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Notes
Not open to biology majors
Description
Interactions of human beings with other elements of the biosphere with emphasis on population, community, and ecosystem levels of ecology.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
- Fall 2024CASE SLcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SLcourse
ANTH-B 370 Human Variation
Credits
3
Prerequisites
ANTH-B 200; or consent of instructor
Description
Explores the variation within and between human populations in morphology (anatomy), physiology, genetics, and behavior with a focus on evolutionary processes acting on humans in the past, present and future to shape our body and genes.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
Neuroscience. One (1) course:
- PSY-P 315 Developmental Psychology
- PSY-P 326 Behavioral Neuroscience
- PSY-P 346 Neuroscience
PSY-P 315 Developmental Psychology
Credits
3
Prerequisites
PSY-P 101 and PSY-P 102; or PSY-P 155
Description
An introduction to how and why behavior changes over time. The theories and methods used to study behavioral change in both human and nonhuman models. Topics include development in perception, movement, language, cognition, and social/emotional behavior.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
PSY-P 326 Behavioral Neuroscience

Credits
3
Prerequisites
PSY-P 101 or PSY-P 155; and one of BIOL-L 100, BIOL-L 111, BIOL-L 112, or equivalent
Description
An examination of the cellular bases of behavior, emphasizing contemporary views and approaches to the study of the nervous system. Neural structure, function, and organization are considered in relation to sensory and motor function, motivation, learning, and other basic behaviors.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of PSY-P 326 or PSY-P 346.

PSY-P 346 Neuroscience

Credits
3
Prerequisites
PSY-P 101 or PSY-P 155
Notes
R: 3 credits of Biology such as BIOL-L 100, BIOL-L 104, BIOL-L 111, BIOL-L 112, BIOL-A 215, or BIOL-P 215
Description
A survey of contemporary neuroscience, examining the neural basis of behavior with approaches including molecular, cellular, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience. Sensory and motor function, learning and memory, and other behaviors are considered using anatomical, physiological, behavioral, biochemical, and genetic approaches, providing a balanced view of neuroscience.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of PSY-P 326 or PSY-P 346.
Religion and Bioethics. One (1) course:
- REL-D 340 Religion and Bioethics
REL-D 340 Religion and Bioethics
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Examines questions about human nature, finitude, the meaning of suffering, and appropriate uses of medical technology in the face of natural limitations, such as disease and death, that humans encounter. Issues include prenatal/genetic testing, transhumanism, enhancement technologies, cloning, euthanasia, and organ transplantation. Judeo-Christian and cross-cultural perspectives on illness are considered.
Repeatability
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
Human Biology E-portfolio Capstone. One (1) course:
- HUBI-B 480 Human Biology E-portfolio Capstone
HUBI-B 480 Human Biology E-portfolio Capstone

Credits
1
Prerequisites
None
Notes
Required for students who have applied for the Certificate in Human Biology
Description
In this capstone course, students will create an electronic portfolio to document and reflect on their academic coursework and extracurricular activities and relate their work to their future studies or careers.
GPA Requirements.
1. Cumulative GPA. An overall GPA of 2.700 or higher is required.
2. Certificate GPA. A GPA of 3.000 or higher for all courses taken in the certificate is required.
Certificate GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
1. At least 9 credit hours in the certificate must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
2. At least 9 credit hours in the certificate must be completed at the 300–499 level.
3. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the certificate.
4. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the certificate—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
5. Exceptions to certificate requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.