Overview

Biology stands as one of the most dynamic and captivating disciplines 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.

At LAU, our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology program is committed to fostering academic excellence, providing students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences, and preparing them for diverse 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 Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (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, nutrition, or food science and management, enriching their academic journey with interdisciplinary perspectives.  By completing at least 9 credits outside the B.S. Biology major requirements, students broaden their scope of knowledge skillset, enhancing their readiness to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Mission

The mission of the B.S. in Biology program at LAU is to pursue academic excellence by providing a comprehensive learning experience in Biological Sciences. The program is dedicated to preparing students for advanced studies and careers in Biological, Biomedical, Environmental and Health-related Sciences, all while maintaining the tradition of the liberal arts education.

Program Educational Objectives

The B.S. in Biology aims to:

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

Student 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.

Resources

Students enrolled in the program benefit from the state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with a range of basic and cutting-edge technology and instruments. Students can conduct simple to advanced research in physiology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology and ecology.Additionally, students have access to the physical and electronic resources offered by the LAU libraries, supplemented by IT support to facilitate their academic pursuit.

The program comprises 96 credits and the department has developed a structured three-year study plan for student to follow. By adhering to this plan, students can complete their degree requirements in three years, which includes the opportunity to participate in 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)
• Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (LACC): 6 credits (ENG202 and COM203)
• Liberal Arts Electives (LAE) (21 credits) including Arts and Humanities (9 credits) and Social Sciences (9 credits) and any LAC elective (3 credits)

I. For students entering the program in Fall 2022 or after, the 21 credits of Liberal Arts and Sciences Electives should be taken according to Curriculum Z as described below:

1. Digital Cultures (3 credits)
2. Change Makers (6 credits)
3. LAS Free Elective¹ (12 credits)

II. For students entering the program prior to Fall 2022, the 21 credits of Liberal Arts and Sciences Electives should be taken according to Curriculum A as described below:

1. Arts and Humanities (9 credits)
2. Social Sciences (9 credits)
3. Any LAS elective² (3 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:

• 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 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)

• 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)

Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Core Courses (6 credits)

• ENG202 Advanced Academic English (3 cr.)
• COM203 Art of Public Communication (3 cr.)

Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Electives (21 credits)^1,2

• Digital Cultures (3 credits)
• Change Makers (6 credits)
• LAS Free Elective^1,2 (12 credits)

¹ The 12 credits of LAS Free Elective could be taken from any LAS category with a minimum of 3 cr. in Arts & Humanities.

² Students seeking to follow Medical Studies should take PSY201 and SOC201 among the LAS Free Electives.
A list of courses for each of the above categories can be found here.

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)

• BIOxxx Biology Elective (3 cr.)
• BIOxxx Biology Elective (BIO344 or BIO489) (1 cr.)
• BIO311 Microbiology (3 cr.)
• BIO312 Microbiology Lab (1 cr.)
• BIO331 Ecology (4 cr.)
• LAS Elective (3 cr.)