Bachelor of Science in Biology
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.
LAU’s BS in Biology program is committed to academic excellence and provides students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences in preparation for careers in biology, biotechnology and related advanced study in the biomedical and environmental sciences, while maintaining the tradition of liberal arts education.
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 MS or PhD 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 BS in Biology program also have the option to complete a minor in chemistry, nutrition, or food science and management by taking at least 9 credits outside the BS Biology major requirements.
Mission
The mission of the B.S. in Biology program at LAU is to strive for academic excellence by providing a comprehensive learning experience in Biological Sciences. The B.S. in Biology program will prepare students 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:
- instill understanding of biological concepts,
- integrate knowledge across biological sub-disciplines,
- foster critical thinking,
- provide insights into scientific methodology, advances in biological research and ethical issues,
- prepare students for leadership roles and careers in biological sciences, and
- impart interest in lifelong learning.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the B.S. in Biology, students should be able to:
- integrate concepts of physicochemical processes underlying metabolic pathways and homeostasis,
- relate structure to function at the molecular and sub cellular levels,
- distinguish different functions of cells, tissues, and organs,
- integrate mechanisms of molecular genetics, heredity and evolution,
- relate the dynamic interactions of components at any one level of biological organization to the functional properties that emerge at higher organizational levels,
- demonstrate ability in retrieving scientific literature, experimental planning, data collection and interpretation,
- value ethical issues in biological sciences,
- assess advances in biological sciences and their impact on society, and
- develop scientific literacy and skills for continued professional development as an individual and as part of a team.
Resources
Students enrolled in the program have access to modern laboratories equipped with both basic and cutting-edge technology and instruments. Students can conduct simple to advanced research in physiology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology and ecology. Also, students in the program are provided with access to all physical and electronic resources offered by the LAU libraries as well as necessary IT support.
The program requires 96 credits. The department has prepared a three-year study plan that students are advised to observe. Following the plan, students can graduate in three years, including two summer modules.
Curriculum
Students who joined the program before Fall 2018 should refer to this curriculum instead of the below.
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)
- LAS Requirements (27 credits)
Biology Core Requirements (31 credits)
- BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr.)
- BIO201 General Biology I (3 cr.)
- BIO201B General Biology I Lab (1 cr.)
- BIO202 General Biology II (3 cr.)
- BIO202B General Biology II Lab (1 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 (3 cr.)
- BIO345B Cell & Molecular Biology Lab (1 cr.)
- BIO499P or BIO499R 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.)
- BIO6xx Graduate Course (3 cr.)
Chemistry Requirements (16 credits)
- CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
- CHM301 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)
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)
LAS Requirements (27 credits)
LAS Core Courses (6 cr.)
LAS Electives (21 cr.)
- Humanities and Arts (9-12 cr.)
- Social Sciences (6-9 cr., ideally PreMed PSY 201, SOC 201)
- Free Elective (3 cr.)
Recommended Study Plan
Year One
Fall (16 credits)
- BIO201 General Biology I (3 cr.)
- BIO201B General Biology I Lab (1 cr.)
- ENG202 Advanced Academic English (LAS Core) (3 cr.)
- CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
- STA205 Biostatistics (3 cr.)
- LAS Elective (3 cr.)
Spring (16 credits)
- BIO202 General Biology II (3 cr.)
- BIO202B General Biology II (1 cr.)
- COM203 Art of Public Communication (LAS Core) (3 cr.)
- CHM301 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)
- CSC201 Computer Applications (1 cr.)
- LAS Elective (3 cr.)
- LAS Elective (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.)
- PSY201 (pre-med) Introduction to Psychology (LAS Elective) (3 cr.)
Spring (15 credits)
- BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr.)
- BIO345 Cell and Molecular Biology (3 cr.)
- BIO345B Cell and Molecular Biology Lab (1 cr.)
- SOC201 (pre-med) Introduction to Sociology (LAS Elective) (3 cr.)
- CHM312 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
- CHM314 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)
Year Three
Fall (12 or 13 credits)
- BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
- BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
- BIOxxx Biology Elective (BIO344 or BIO489) (1 cr.)
- BIO499P or BIO499R Senior Study - Biology (3 cr.)
- LAS Elective (3 cr.)
Spring (14 or 15 credits)