Overview

Biology is one of the most diverse and exciting fields of study in science today, exploring 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 program 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 planning to enter M.S. or Ph.D. programs, but also for pre-pharmacy and pre-medical students. The new program curriculum ensures that pre-medical students are properly prepared for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Students in the B.S. in Biology program also have the option to complete a minor in chemistry by taking one additional chemistry course.

Mission

The Bachelor of Science in Biology rogram 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

Graduates of the program shall be able 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.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students are able to:

1. Integrate concepts of physicochemical processes underlying metabolic pathways and homeostasis;
2. Relate structure to function at the molecular and subcellular 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.

Admissions Requirements

To enter the major, students must meet the general university requirements.

Program Requirements

The program requires 96 credits. The department has prepared a three-year study plan.  Students are advised to observe the three-year plan carefully, to avoid any undue delay in graduation. Based on the proposed plan, students should be able to graduate in three years, including two summer modules, and to complete all the requirements.

Biology Core Requirements (31 credits)

• 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 (3 cr.)
• BIO345 / Cell and Molecular Biology (4 cr.)
• BIO499 / Senior Study (3 cr.)
• BCH301 / Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr.)

Biology Elective Requirement

Choose ten credits of the following courses (10 credits):

• BIO341 / Plant Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO343 / Anatomy and Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO344 / Anatomy and Physiology Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO401 / Developmental Biology (3 cr.)
• BIO410 / Biotechnology (3 c.)
• BIO420 / Virology and Immunology (3 cr.)
• BIO430 / Population Genomics (3 cr.)
• BIO435 / Functional Genomics (3 cr.)
• BIO488 / Special Topics in Biology (3 cr.)
• BIO489 / Seminar in Biology (1 cr.)
• BIO8— / 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 (1cr.)
• CHM312 / Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM314 / Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)

Mathematics and Computer Science Requirements (4 credits)

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

Suggested Three-Year Plan

Year One

Fall (16 credits)

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

Spring (15 credits)

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

Summer (7 credits)

• ENG— / LAC  (3 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)
• CSC201 / Computer Literacy (1 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 Sc. (3 cr.)
• PHY302 / Classical Physics for Life Sc. Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO343 / BIO Elective Anatomy & Physiology (3 cr.)
• BIO344 / BIO Seminar Anatomy & Physiology Lab (1 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

• BIO301 / 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 Sc. (3 cr.)
• PHY306 / Modern Physics for Life Sc. Lab (1 cr.)

Year Three

Fall (14 credits)

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

Spring (12 credits)

• BIO— / Biology Elective (3 cr.)
• BIO331 / Ecology (4 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)
• HLT201 / Basic Health (1 cr.)
• PED2– / Physical Education (1 cr.)