Biology, BS

Students with a variety of science-related interests and goals may choose the Biology major. The degree forms a solid background for biology-related fields such as laboratory technician, agriculture/park services, food safety inspector, science writing, environmental science/remediation, water treatment, and for science-related graduate work to prepare for professions in medical, research, veterinary medicine or specific environmental fields. The major contains a 31 credit hour core and two tracks; a 18- to 19-hour Cellular/Molecular Biology Track, and a 12-hour Environmental Biology Track. Only one track need be selected. This major is often paired with a Chemistry Minor.

Program Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are linked to assignments and activities throughout this program. After completing program requirements,

1. Graduates will possess a comprehensive knowledge base of the biology and chemistry of organisms.
2. Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking processes and the ability to analyze scientific literature.
3. Graduates will apply proper safety and ethical practices in laboratory, clinical, and work environments.
4. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in written, oral, and visual forms.
5. Graduates will employ appropriate experimental design and methodology to answer scientific questions with attention to validity of information.
6. Graduates have considered their vocational goals and are reflective of how these may be embodied in their professional and/or personal lives.

 

Requirements for the BS in Biology

General Education Core 38 hours

(The following general education requirements are covered in the major: Lab Science. MAT 1334 is required to satisfy Quantitative Competency.)

Biological Science Core 31 hours

IDS 2103	Introduction to the Arts & Sciences	3
BIO 1011	Biological Science I Lab	1
BIO 1013	Biological Science I	3
BIO 1024	Biological Science II with Lab	4
BIO 3214	General Ecology with Lab	4
BIO 3324	Microbiology with Lab	4
CHE 3514	Biochemistry I with Lab	4
MAT 2413	Elementary Statistics	3
NSC 4513	Natural Science Internship	3
NSC 4612	Capstone Project in Science	2
	OR
NSC 4611	Capstone Project in Science A	1
	AND
NSC 4621	Capstone Project in Science B	1

CHE 3514: may be included in the Chemistry Minor

Cellular/Molecular Biology Track 18-19 hours

BIO 2114	Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab	4
BIO 2124	Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab	4
BIO 2224	Introductory Botany and Zoology with Lab	4
	OR
BIO 2313	Nutrition	3
	OR
BIO 3334	Exercise Physiology with Lab	4
BIO 3414	Genetics with Lab	4
BIO 3513	Cell Biology	3

Environmental Biology Track 12 hours

NSC 1014	Environmental Science with Lab	4
	OR
NSC 2204	Natural Science Field Study with Lab	4
PHS 2014	General Physics I with Lab	4
NSC 3114	Earth's Waters with Lab	4

Minor (Chemistry Minor Recommended) 18-20 hours

Additional Required Support Courses 4-16 hours

(4 IF CHEM MINOR ELECTED)

MAT 1334 Pre-Calculus (included in gen ed), CHE 1514 and CHE 1524 College Chemistry I and II, CHE 2514 Organic Chemistry I, and PHS 2024 General Physics II are required support courses for the Biology major. Some support courses satisfy general education requirements. 

Electives (Depending on Track and Minor Chosen) 5-23 hours

Total Credit Hours: 120