Biology

Description

Students interested in careers in many areas of biology and the biomedical sciences can earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Stevenson University. The biology program provides students with a broad biological background in environmental, organismal, cellular, and molecular biology. By choosing additional electives in areas of special interest, students are then able to tailor their studies to suit their future goals. Independent research is integrated into coursework at all levels, and critical thinking and teamwork skills are emphasized.

Our graduates are well prepared for careers in industry or research, admission to graduate school in biology or related fields and admission to medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, or other health profession schools.

Objectives

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of fundamental biological principles to the description and analysis of living systems.
2. Evaluate function as it relates to structure throughout the spectrum of biological organization.
3. Apply laboratory research skills and techniques to the investigation of biological questions.
4. Evaluate scientific issues and findings using primary research literature.
5. Communicate scientific findings in written and oral formats appropriate to the audience.
6. Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.
7. Apply academic preparation to professional experiences outside the classroom.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major, and the lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all major and Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to take a science or math course unless he/she earns a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses.

A student may not earn a grade of “C-” or lower in any science or math course more than three times during the program. If a fourth grade of “C-” or lower is earned in any science or math course, the student will be automatically dismissed from the biology major.

Probation : The student who earns any combination of two grades of “C-” or lower in a science or math course will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she is on probation in the School of the Sciences.

Final Probation: The student who earns any combination of three grades of “C-” or lower in a science or math course will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she is on final probation in the School of the Sciences.

Dismissal: If a fourth grade of “C-” or lower in any science or math course is earned, the student will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she has been dismissed from the major.

Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor’s degree in biology. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements

Complete one of the following senior capstone options

Biology Electives (Complete all 3 groups)

Group 1: Three 200-level biology courses

Group 2: Two additional biology courses**

Group 3: Four additional 300- or 400-level biology courses**

Suggested Course Sequence

Suggested Course Sequence

Minor in Biology

A minor in biology is available, however, students majoring in biochemistry and medical laboratory science may not earn a minor in biology or chemistry. A student wishing to take any biology course for the biology minor must meet the prerequisite(s) for the particular course. Students must take six courses that count in the biology major, excluding seminar courses. Please see an academic advisor for more information. Specific information regarding minor requirements may be found in the Academic Information section of the catalog.

The following courses may not count toward a minor in biology:

• BIO 104
• BIO 211
• BIO 240
• 1 credit lab or seminar courses

Other Options

Biology Department Honors Requirements:

Eligible students majoring in biology may elect to pursue honors within the Department of Biological Sciences. The intention to pursue biology department honors must be declared no later than the end of the first semester of the junior year. To declare the intent to pursue department honors, a student must have earned a science GPA of 3.50 or higher.

Students graduating with biology department honors will have this distinction noted on their official university transcript. In order to graduate with department honors, the following requirements must be met:

• Completion of a 400-level capstone experience with a grade of “B” or better
• Completion of BIO 440 Seminar Topics in Biology with a grade of “B” or better
• Completion of an Honors Contract Project in an upper-level biology course. A grade of “B” or better must be earned in the course in which an Honors Contract Project is completed. The student must submit a contract project proposal to be approved by department faculty before beginning the project. The final project must be approved by department faculty in order to receive honors credit.
• A science GPA of 3.50 or higher at the time of graduation

BS/MS Option: The BS/MS option is available for students majoring in biology who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master’s degree in forensic science. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degrees in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into this BS/MS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. Please see the Forensic Sciences  section of this catalog for more information.

BS/MAT Option: The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in biology who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. Please see Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.

Service-Learning Options: Service learning options are offered periodically with some biology courses. Please consult the course instructor or the department chair if you have any questions.

Course Descriptions

See Biology Course Descriptions