2024-2025 University Catalog 
  
    Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog

Biology, BS


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Bachelor of Science in Biology

Time of Completion: Four Years

This program is offered on campus and online. 

* Please note - the online program version is currently not eligible for Title IV funding through the U.S. Department of Education.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Biology program study the evolution, structure, and function of life. Through core coursework, students will gain mastery in the areas of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, ecology, and evolution. Within a chosen concentration, students are introduced to subspecialties of biology, including microbiology, botany, anatomy, physiology, zoology, and bioinformatics. Authentic scientific investigation and discovery are emphasized as students design and conduct their own experiments, further developing their scientific and quantitative reasoning skills. Data collection, organization, and analytical skills are honed while sharing findings through presentations and posters. Graduates will have a solid foundation necessary for careers in biological science, health care sciences and biopharmaceutical industries, or bioinformatics. A degree in biology is also an essential first step in the pursuit of advanced degrees at graduate and professional schools.

Bachelor of Science in Biology Program Outcomes

  1. Biological Foundations - Apply the principles of biology and the interconnectivity of living systems across the subfields of biology and other disciplines. 
  2. Scientific Process - Formulate hypotheses, accurately record observations, analyze data, and appropriately interpret results. 
  3. Quantitative Reasoning - Apply quantitative reasoning to accurately describe biological phenomena. 
  4. Modeling and Simulation - Design and create models and simulations to demonstrate understanding of complex biological systems. 

Bachelor of Science in Biology


General Education: 61 Required Credits


Liberal Arts: 24 Required Credits


  • History Elective 3 Credits
  • SCI 340  Ethics in Science and Technology 3 Credits
  • Social Science Elective 3 Credits
  • Performance, Written, or Fine Arts Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits

Math: 6 Required Credits


Science: 4 Required Credits


Open Electives: 15 Required Credits


Students pursuing the Pre-Health Track are required to take CHM 205 /CHM 205L - Organic Chemistry I Lab  and CHM 206 / CHM 206L - Organic Chemistry II Lab BIO 160  is strongly recommended.  

  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits

Major Core & Concentrations: 54 Required Credits


Designated Writing Course: 3 Required Credits


Major Core: 39 Required Credits


College to Career Core: 6 Required Credits


Total Program Credits: 121 Required Credits


General Biology: 12 Credits


Four Courses, BIO200-BIO400 Level Electives. 

Health Sciences Concentration: 12 Credits


This concentration is offered on Main Campus. Students who choose the Health Sciences concentration must take three credits in Biology at the 300 or 400 level. 

Bioinformatics: 12 Credits


Students who choose the Bioinformatics concentration must fulfill the following prerequisites:

For CIS 240 : CIS 120  and CIS 216 

For CIS 380 : CIS 120 , CIS 216 , and permission of the Academic Department

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