Biology

The Biology program offers two options for those interested in a degree in Biology. Students can earn a B.S. in Biology or a B.A in Biology.

B.S. in Biology

The B.S. in Biology is a challenging science program for biology students geared toward the Pre-Medical, the Pre-Physical Therapy and the Environmental Science tracts. The Bachelor of Science degree incorporates studies in the biological sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics providing the student with a strong undergraduate natural science foundation. Students in this program are strongly prepared for graduate work in any area of science including research graduate studies, clinical programs in allied health, and medical school programs.

In addition, the B.S. degree program will provide a special emphasis on Biology at the molecular level. Another objective of the Bachelor of Science degree is to provide the student an opportunity to take courses that will provide a greater exposure to other biological studies that they would not normally be exposed to in the B.A., such as the botanical sciences or ecology. In addition, students will complete a course in evolution, so there is an understanding of the unifying theme that this study presents in the biological discourse.

The objective of the Science Program in awarding the Bachelor of Science degree is to provide an extensive curriculum without compromising the integrity of the established core curriculum of both the required biological courses and the related cognate courses. Students participate in a two- year research program that begins with the Scientific Research Investigative Techniques course in the Fall of their junior year, and culminates in the senior year with a significant research project for the Research Seminar course.
For any science course taken as a prerequisite for a higher-level course, a minimum grade of C is needed for advancement to the next level.

B.A. in Biology

The bachelor of arts in Biology major is intended to provide a repertoire of skills generally applicable in any walk of life, and specifically to provide a solid foundation for the student whose pursuit of advanced study or career goals will involve science-related work, Pre-Med or Pre PT, Environmental Sciences, or teaching Biology at the secondary level. Students will be expected to maintain a 2.5 average both in the program (including all Biology and required cognate courses) and in the overall cumulative index. Other grade expectations apply for students seeking teacher certification: see Catalog section for Teacher Education.

For any science course taken as a prerequisite for a higher-level course, a minimum grade of C is needed for advancement to the next level.