Course · BIO 181

General Biology I w/ Lab

The molecular, cellular, and organismal foundation of biology — the starting point for biology majors and pre-professional students.

Credits
4 Credits
Level
Undergraduate
Format
Lecture + integrated lab (lab fee required)
Typical Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer

Course Description

BIO 181 introduces students to the structure and function of living things at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The course is designed for biology majors and pre-professional students — particularly those headed for health-profession programs or graduate school — and proceeds at an intentionally intense pace to build the foundation those next steps require.

Field trips may be required at the student's expense. Lab fee required. BIO 181 is the gateway course for the BS Biology major and pairs with BIO 182 General Biology II to form a full two-semester survey of living systems.

Taught By

Offered 2026-2027: Fall 1 · 2026-2027: Fall Traditional · 2026-2027: Fall 2 · 2026-2027: Spring Traditional.

Wendy Madison

2026-2027: Fall Traditional

William Nelson, D.C.

William Nelson, D.C.

Associate Professor

2026-2027: Fall 1 · 2026-2027: Fall 2

Linnea

2026-2027: Fall 1 · 2026-2027: Fall 2

Lyding

2026-2027: Fall 1 · 2026-2027: Fall 2

Prerequisites

  • High School Biology and Chemistry (Or Equivalent)

Corequisites

  • BIO 181L: General Biology I Lab

Learning Outcomes

1

Understand Cellular Structure

Examine how living systems are organized at the cellular level.

2

Apply the Scientific Method

Design experiments, collect data, and interpret results in the lab.

3

Study Molecular Biology

Engage the molecular basis of life — DNA, proteins, and metabolic processes.

4

Examine Organismal Function

Connect cellular processes to whole-organism function.

5

Develop Lab Skills

Build the bench skills required for upper-division biology coursework.

Biblical Worldview Connection

A Biblical Worldview treats living systems as something to be carefully investigated and appreciated — creation worth knowing in detail. BIO 181 builds the scientific literacy that lets students engage biology as both rigorous science and as wonder at how complex life actually is.

Explore Programs With This Course

BIO 181 is the entry point to ACU's biology curriculum. Explore the programs that include it.

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