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 new program 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 graduate in three years and to complete all the requirements.

A total of 96 credits are required to graduate, as per the following:

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

Biology Core Requirements (31 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 and Molecular Biology (4 cr)
• BIO499 Senior Study (3 cr)
• BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr)

Biology Elective Requirements (10 cr)

• 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)
• 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 cr)

• 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 cr)

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

Physics Requirements (8 cr)

• 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

Year One

Fall (16 cr)

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

Spring (15 cr)

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

Summer (7 cr)

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

Year Two

Fall (16 cr)

• 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 and Physiology (3 cr)
• BIO344 BIO Seminar Anatomy and Physiology Lab (1 cr)

Spring (16 cr)

• 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 cr)

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

Spring (12 cr)

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