Overview

Biology is a field that explores the structure of molecules essential for life, the development and physiology of living organisms, as well as the genetic structure of natural populations of organisms.

Students enrolled in the B.S. in Biology acquire the necessary theoretical background, analytical skills, and hands-on laboratory research experience to pursue advanced studies in various fields related to biology, medicine, and environmental and allied health sciences. The program is not only tailored for students seeking graduate studies, but also for pre-pharmacy and premedical students. The curriculum ensures that premedical students are properly prepared for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Students in this program also have the option to complete a minor in chemistry by taking one additional chemistry course.

Mission

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is committed to academic excellence, providing a comprehensive learning experience in Biological Sciences in preparation for advanced studies and careers in biological, biomedical, environmental and health-related sciences, while maintaining the tradition of the liberal arts education.

Program Objectives

The B.S. in Biology aims to:

1. instill understanding of biological concepts,
2. integrate knowledge across biological sub-disciplines,
3. foster critical thinking,
4. provide insights into scientific methodology, advances in biological research and ethical issues,
5. prepare students for leadership roles and careers in biological sciences, and
6. impart interest in lifelong learning.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.S. in Biology, students should be able to:

1. integrate concepts of physicochemical processes underlying metabolic pathways and homeostasis,
2. relate structure to function at the molecular and sub cellular levels,
3. distinguish different functions of cells, tissues, and organs,
4. integrate mechanisms of molecular genetics, heredity and evolution,
5. relate the dynamic interactions of components at any one level of biological organization to the functional properties that emerge at higher organizational levels,
6. demonstrate ability in retrieving scientific literature, experimental planning, data collection and interpretation,
7. value ethical issues in biological sciences,
8. assess advances in biological sciences and their impact on society, and
9. develop scientific literacy and skills for continued professional development as an individual and as part of a team.

Curriculum

Students are advised to observe the recommended study plan below to avoid any undue delay in graduation. Students should be able to complete all requirements and graduate in three years.

A total of 96 credits are required to graduate, distributed as follows:

• Biology Core Requirements (31 credits)
• Biology Electives Requirements (10 credits)
• Chemistry Requirements (16 credits)
• Mathematics and Computer Science Requirements (4 credits)
• Physics Requirements (8 credits)
• LAC Requirements (27 credits)

Biology Core Requirements (31 credits)

• BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr.)
• BIO201 General Biology I (4 cr.)
• BIO202 General Biology II (4 cr.)
• BIO311 Microbiology (3 cr.)
• BIO312 Microbiology Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO321 Genetics (3 cr.)
• BIO322 Genetics Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO331 Ecology (4 cr.)
• BIO345 Cell & Molecular Biology (4 cr.)
• BIO499 Senior Study (3 cr.)

Biology Electives Requirements (10 credits)

Students must choose 10 credits from among the following:

• BIO341 Plant Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO343 Anatomy & Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO344 Anatomy & Physiology Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO401 Developmental Biology (3 cr.)
• BIO410 Biotechnology (3 cr.)
• BIO420 Virology & Immunology (3 cr.)
• BIO488 Population Genomics (3 cr.)
• BIO435 Functional Genomics (3 cr.)
• BIO488 Special Topics in Biology (3 cr.)
• BIO489 Seminar in Biology (1 cr.)
• BIO8xxx Graduate Course (3 cr.)

Chemistry Requirements (16 credits)

• CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
• CHM202 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM204 Quantitative Analysis (2 cr.)
• CHM311 Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
• CHM313 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM312 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM314 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)

Mathematics and Computer Science Requirements (4 credits)

• CSC201 Computer Literacy (1 cr.)
• STA205 Biostatistics (3 cr.)

Physics Requirements (8 credits)

• PHY301 Classical Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY302 Classical Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY305 Modern Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY306 Modern Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr)

Recommended Study Plan (Current Students)

Year One

Fall (16 credits)

• BIO201 General Biology I (4 cr.)
• ENGxxx English (3 cr.)
• CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
• STA205 Biostatistics (3 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

• BIO202 General Biology II (4 cr.)
• ENGxxx English (3 cr.)
• CHM202 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM204 Quantitative Analysis (2 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)

Summer (7 credits)

• ENGxxx English (3 cr.)
• CSC201 Computer Applications (1 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)

Year Two

Fall (16 credits)

• BIO321 Genetics (3 cr.)
• BIO322 Genetics Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM311 Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
• CHM313 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY301 Classical Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY302 Classical Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO343 BIO Elective Anatomy & Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO344 BIO Seminar Anatomy & Physiology Lab (1 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

• BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr.)
• BIO311 Microbiology (3 cr.)
• BIO312 Microbiology Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM312 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM314 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY305 Modern Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY306 Modern Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr.)

Year Three

Fall (14 credits)

• BIO345 Cell & Molecular Biology (4 cr.)
• BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
• BIO499 Senior Study Biology (3 cr.)
• ETH201 Moral Reasoning (1 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)

Spring (12 credits)

• BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
• BIO331 Ecology (4 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)
• HLT201 Basic Health (1 cr.)
• PED2xx Physical Education (1 cr.)

Recommended Study Plan (Students Entering as of Fall 2017)

Year One

Fall (16 credits)

• BIO201 General Biology I (4 cr.)
• ENGxxx English (3 cr.)
• CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
• STA205 Biostatistics (3 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

• BIO202 General Biology II (4 cr.)
• ENGxxx English (3 cr.)
• CHM202 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM204 Quantitative Analysis (2 cr.)
• PHY301 Classical Physics  for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY302 Classical Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr.)

Summer (7 credits)

• ENGxxx English (3 cr.)
• CSC201 Computer Applications (1 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)

Year Two

Fall (15 credits)

• BIO321 Genetics (3 cr.)
• BIO322 Genetics Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM311 Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
• CHM313 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY305 Modern Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY306 Modern Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr.)
• (LAC Course) PSY201 Introduction to Psychology (3 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

• BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr.)
• BIO345 Cell and Molecular Biology (4 cr.)
• (LAC Course) SOC201 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.)
• CHM312 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM314 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)

Year Three

Fall (14 credits/ 13 credits)

• BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
• BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
• BIO499 Senior Study - Biology (3 cr.)
• ETH201 Moral Reasoning (1 cr.)
• LAC Course (3 cr.)
• Optional: BIO344 Anatomy and Physiology Lab (1 cr.)¹

Spring (14 credits/ 13 credits)

• BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
• BIO311 Microbiology (3 cr.)
• BIO312 Microbiology Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO331 Ecology (4 cr.)
• HLT201 Basic Health (1 cr.)
• PED2xx Physical Education (1 cr.)
• Optional: BIO489 Seminar in Biology (1 cr.)¹

¹ Students need to satisfy one credit of either BIO344 Anatomy and Physiology Lab or BIO489 Seminar in Biology.