Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences
Department Chair: Wendy L. Kimber, Ph.D.
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.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of fundamental biological principles to the description and analysis of living systems.
- Apply research skills and techniques to the investigation of biological questions.
- Evaluate scientific issues and findings using appropriate sources.
- Communicate scientific findings in written and oral formats appropriate to the audience.
- Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.
- Apply academic preparation to professional experiences outside the classroom.
Policies
Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to take any science or math course unless they earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses.
If a student withdraws, audits, or does not pass a course required in the biology major with a grade of “C” or better, they may repeat that course without special permission. If a student withdraws, audits, or does not pass the course with a grade of “C” or better the second time, the student will be placed on probation in the major. To take a course for a third time, all SOS majors must meet with their advisor, and then apply in writing to the Dean of the School of the Sciences requesting permission to take the course for a third time using the university form for this request. Those who pass the course will no longer be on probation in the major. Those who do not successfully complete the required course with a grade of “C” or better after three attempts will be permanently dismissed from the biology major. Once dismissed from the biology major, students must choose a major for which the course they failed three times is not required.
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:
| FYS 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 credit |
| BIO 112 | Principles of General Biology | 3 credits |
| or | |
| BIO 113 | General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics | 3 credits |
| BIO 113L | General Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics | 1 credit |
| or | |
| BIO 113HL | Honors - General Biology I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| BIO 114 | General Biology II: Structure and Function of Organisms | 3 credits |
| BIO 114L | General Biology II Laboratory: Structure and Function of Organisms | 1 credit |
| BIO 115 | General Biology III: Ecology and Evolution | 3 credits |
| BIO 115L | General Biology III Laboratory: Ecology and Evolution | 1 credit |
| BIO 218 | Career Connections in the Life Sciences | 1 credit |
| BIO 230 | Genetics | 3 credits |
| and | |
| BIO 230L | Genetics-Laboratory | 1 credit |
| BIO 235L | Diversity of Life | 1 credit |
| BIO 470 | Capstone Internship | 3 credits |
| or | |
| BIO 471 | Capstone Internship | 6 credits |
| BIO 475 | Capstone Seminar | 3 credits |
| CHEM 114 | General Chemistry I with Problem Solving | 3 credits |
| or | |
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHEM 115L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 115S | General Chemistry I SoLVE | 0 credits |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHEM 116L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 116S | General Chemistry II SoLVE | 0 credits |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHEM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| MATH 136 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 credits |
| SCI 215 | Writing in the Sciences | 3 credits |
Biology Electives, (take six courses):
Take six courses from the following courses listed below according to the following criteria:
- A minimum of three courses at the 300- or 400-level
- A minimum of three lab courses
- A maximum of two courses with the BIOCH, ENV or MLS designation
- A maximum of one research course from BIO 362, BIO 365, BIOCH 365, ENV 362, ENV 365
BIO 203 and BIO 203L, BIO 210, BIO 217, BIO 222, BIO 270, BIO 280, BIO 307, BIO 310, BIO 312, BIO 313, BIO 314, BIO 315, BIO 322 and BIO 322L, BIO 326 BIO 330, BIO 332, BIO 335, BIO 362, BIO 365, BIOCH 201, BIOCH 327, BIOCH 345L, BIOCH 365, BIOCH 427, ENV 213, ENV 255, ENV 260, ENV 275, ENV 280, ENV 285, ENV 310, ENV 320, ENV 330, ENV 360, ENV 362, ENV 365, ENV 375, ENV 410, ENV 415, ENV 420, MLS 210, MLS 310, MLS 310L, MLS 325L, MLS 330, MLS 330L, MLS 338.
Students can take either BIO 217 or BIOCH 327 but not both. Students can take BIO 322/BIO 322L or BIO 326 but not both.
Suggested Course Sequence
2024-25 SCS Biology
2024-25 SCS Biology MFS Option
Minor in Biology
The minor in biology requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with a BIO prefix. For biology courses with a separate lab co-requisite, both the lab and lecture for the course must be taken; however, the lab does not count as a separate course toward the minor.
Courses ineligible for the biology minor include:
- BIO 104 The Human Body and Contemporary Health Issues
Please see the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences for further information regarding this minor. General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the Minors section of the catalog.
Other Options
Department of Biological Sciences Honors Requirements: Eligible students majoring in biology may elect to pursue honors within the Department of Biological Sciences. The intention to pursue department honors must be declared before the start of their last semester before graduation. To declare the intent to pursue department honors, a student must have earned a science/math GPA of 3.50 or higher and a plan to finish the honors requirements outlined below.
Students graduating with Department of Biological Sciences 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 one research experience.
- Completion of a second research experience or a 300-400 level BIO elective that is not being used to fulfill a degree requirement in the major.
- An oral presentation of the research experience to the department.
- A science/math GPA of 3.5 or higher at graduation.
BA Option: Students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. The student must fulfill all SEE requirements, program requirements, and complete two semesters of a foreign language from the point of placement or completion of 202 level.
BS/MFS Option: The BS/MFS 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/MFS 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 Science 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.
Course Descriptions
See Biology Course Descriptions.