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2023-24 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | School of Natural and Social Sciences | Biological and Chemical Sciences | Majors

Biology, B.A., B.S.

[Biology—0401]

SPECIFICS OF THE BIOLOGY B.A. DEGREE

The B.A. program in Biology is a broad-based curriculum of sufficient depth to prepare students pursuing science education or careers such as laboratory technicians. Additionally, some pre-health science students may choose this liberal-arts rich option as a foundation before a health professional program study.

Minimum Total Hours: 120

Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 90

General Education Requirements: Per Core Curriculum Requirements list (see General Education Council). Exceptions: the lab science and mathematics proficiency requirements are met through the major.

Minimum Requirements: Overall and major GPA of 2.0; no grade less than C- in the major.

Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.

Application to the Major: Standard institutional major application should be submitted at the end of the sophomore year. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to the major.

Major Requirements:  44 hours including coursework in biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics as follows:

  • 19 hours in biology: BIOL 1110, 1110 lab, 1120, 1120 lab, 1130, 1130 lab, 2310, 3020, 3020 lab, 4600

  • 12 hours of BIOL/BCHE electives (including 3 lab sections) spread between:

    BCHE 3050, 3050 lab, 3060, 3060 lab, 3300

    BIOL 2000, 2000 lab, 3010, 3010 lab, 3060, 3060 lab, 3400, 4010, 4010 lab, 4200, 4200 lab, 3---/4--- Au Sable courses;

  • 8 hours in chemistry: CHEM 1110*, 1110 lab, 1140;

  • 5 hours minimum in mathematics and computer science: MATH 1085, 2400, or 2281*, CSCI 1010 or 2010.

 * Students may be required to take a placement exam before enrollment in the course.  CHEM 1110R may also be required based on chemistry placement indicators.

 

SPECIFICS OF THE BIOLOGY, B.S. DEGREE

The Bachelor of Science program represents a narrower focus in one area of biology and is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate education. The B.S. degree is also appropriate for students considering careers in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science. A full complement of courses in the physical sciences is also required, including chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A Bachelor of Science in medical technology is also offered. This program includes a 12-month cooperative program during the senior year at an accredited school of medical technology. 

Minimum Total Hours: 120

Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 60

General Education Requirements: Per Core Curriculum Requirements list (see General Education Council). Exceptions: the lab science and mathematics proficiency requirements are met through the major.

Minimum Requirements: Overall and major GPA of 2.0; no grade less than C- in the major.

Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.

Application to the Major: Standard institutional major application should be submitted at the end of the sophomore year.  A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to the major.

Major Requirements: 66 hours including coursework in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, physics, and mathematics

  • 20 hours in biology: BIOL 1110, 1110 lab, 1120, 1120 lab, 1130, 1130 lab, 2310, 3020, 3020 lab, 4600, 4980

  • 16 hours of BIOL/BCHE electives (including 4 lab sections) spread between:

    BCHE 3050, 3050 lab, 3060, 3060 lab, 3300

    BIOL  2040, 3010, 3010 lab, 3060, 3060 lab, 3200, 3200L, 3210, 3210 lab 3400, 4010, 4010 lab, 4200, 4200 lab, 3---/4--- Au Sable courses

    (Pre-PT or Pre-PA students may substitute in 2010, 2010 lab, 2020, 2020 lab);

  • 16 hours in chemistry: CHEM 1110*, 1110 lab, 1120, 1120 lab, 2110, 2110 lab, 2120, 2120 lab;

  • 6 hours in mathematics and computer science: MATH 2281*, CSCI 1010 or 2010.

  • 8 hours in physics: PHYS 1001* or 2001* and PHYS 1002 or 2002.

 * Students may be required to take a placement exam before enrollment in the course. CHEM 1110R may also be required based on chemistry placement indicators.