Biological Sciences Area – Bachelor of Science
The biological sciences area is deep and diverse, enabling students to pursue careers such as a professional biologist, teacher, health professional or environmental scientist. In addition to these career paths, students may find it advantageous to combine their biology study with other disciplines allowing them to pursue careers in law, public policy, and other areas that intersect with the field.
Program Competencies
Students graduating with the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology should possess the following:
- Written, oral and interpersonal communication skills in the sciences that will allow the graduate to collect, analyze, interpret, utilize and present information that is contemporary in the biological sciences.
- An awareness of the basic concepts of the physical and biological sciences and how these concepts are applicable in the profession.
- An awareness of the importance of the arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, health sciences as well as the biological and physical sciences to the human community.
- A basic understanding of literacy of all disciplines of biology, from molecular to cellular to organismal to population levels that unite organismal, continuity, diversity and unity of life.
- A general competency in basic inorganic and organic chemistry as well as in introductory physics, mathematics and statistics.
Assessment
- Exit examinations
- Employer feedback
- Graduate feedback
- Performance of graduates on entrance examinations to post-baccalaureate programs
Track 1: Biology Requirements
General Education
Students taking MATH 152 as a general education core class must also complete MATH 141 as a program elective. Students having an ACT below 22 will take MATH 141 as a general elective.
Refer to the General Education section for a complete listing of general education requirements for the University.
Area Requirements
Track 1 Requirements:
Choose three courses from the following advanced biology electives:
Supplemental Requirements
General Electives
Total Credit Hours: 120
Additional hours may be required depending on specific course choices.
Track 2: Biology with Teacher Certification (Secondary)
Courses marked with an asterisk (*) require admission to the Teacher Education Program.
General Education
Students taking MATH 152 as a general education core class must also complete MATH 141 as a program elective. Students having an ACT below 22 will take MATH 141 as a general elective.
Refer to the General Education section for a complete listing of general education requirements for the University.
Area Requirements
Track 2 Requirements:
| BIOL 210 | General Zoology | 4 |
| BIOL 215 | General Botany | 4 |
| BIOL 317 | Principles of Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 461 | Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 234 | Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIOL 235 | Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIOL 304 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 380 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 402 | Integrated Biology, Mathematics, Physical Sciences Teaching Methods* | 3 |
| BIOL 403 | Integrated Biology, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Field Experiences in Teaching* | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33 |
Students must complete one of the following advanced biology electives:
Supplemental Requirements
Teacher Education Requirements
| EDF 207 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDF 211 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| EDF 311 | Learning Theories, Assessment and Diversity* | 3 |
| EDSE 312 | Educational Methods and Technology* | 3 |
| EDSE 416 | Clinical Practice* | 12 |
| EDSE 483 | Classroom Organization and Management for Secondary Teachers* | 3 |
| EDSP 230 | Education of Exceptional Children | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Additional hours may be required depending on specific course choices.
Total Credit Hours: 120-121