Program Overview

Biology (BS) Program

The Biology (BS) program is designed to prepare students for study in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions. The primary goals of the program are to expose students to the underlying basis of life, the structure and function of organisms, and the evolution of all organisms that link the world's ecosystems together.

Program Description

Biology is an ever-changing field with constant advancements in understanding evolution, conservation, development, and genetics. The emergence of new topics such as global warming or the threat of a new disease offers new opportunities to research and learn more about our surroundings. Students in the Biology (BS) program take a variety of courses, including Anatomy & Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Ecology. Every student has the opportunity to participate in a research project with one of the professors. The faculty is committed to enhancing the historical and ethical perspective in the biological world.

Course Requirements

The program requires students to complete a series of courses, including:

• General Biology I & Lab (BIO 171 & 173)
• General Chemistry I & Lab (CHEM 171 & 173)
• Academic Writing I (WRT 101)
• First Year Seminar (FYS 101)
• General Biology II & Lab (BIO 172 & 174)
• General Chemistry II & Lab (CHEM 172 & 174)
• Academic Writing II (WRT 102)
• Breadth & Proficiency 1
• Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 251)
• Biology Elective 1
• Applied Calculus (MATH 109)
• Breadth & Proficiency 2
• Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 252)
• Biology Elective 2
• Statistics (MATH 120)
• Breadth & Proficiency 3
• Breadth & Proficiency 4
• Bioinformatics (BIO 325)
• General Physics I & Lab (PHYS 201 & 211)
• Biology Elective 3
• Breadth & Proficiency 5
• Free Elective 2
• Genetics (BIO 350)
• General Physics 2 & Lab (PHYS 202 & 212)
• Biology Elective 4
• Gateway 1
• Free Elective 3
• Cell and Molecular Biology (BIO 404)
• Biology Elective 5
• Biology Elective 6
• Gateway 2
• Free Elective 4
• Biology Elective 7
• Biology Elective 8 (if needed)
• Gateway 3
• Free Elective 5

Course Requirement Definitions

• Elective Requirement: Additional courses necessary to earn enough credits for a degree outside of Major and STAGE requirements.
• First Year Seminar (FYS): Introductory course to the academic experience, emphasizing the skills necessary for academic success.
• Major Requirement: Courses are core to this major and are subject matter-specific.
• Stage Requirement: Courses are part of the STAGE General Education program and must be taken to earn a degree.

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in biology, including coursework, research opportunities, and faculty mentorship. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions, as well as for graduate study in biology and related fields.