2011-2012 Catalog 
    
    Apr 18, 2024  
2011-2012 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, BS


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Learning Outcomes, Biology, BS

  • Students should be able to apply the scientific method: formulate a testable hypothesis, design and conduct scientific investigation, and interpret study findings
  • Students should understand the fundamental processes of cells that are interwoven within one large biochemical network
  • Students should be able to: 1) Explain from a biochemical perspective how genetic information is stored, expressed and inherited, and 2) explain the inheritance patterns of traits, and what factors influence the prevalence of traits.
  • Students should be able to identify the major classes of macromolecules, to recgonize the principle biosynthetic and energy-pathyways of living organisms, and to understand the connections between biological systems and the molecular structures of their constituent parts
  • Students should be able to identify evidence to support common descent of all living ogranisms, to undertand the factors that contribute to and the consequences of evoluationary change, and to apply “evolutionary thinking” to explain biological phenomena

 

Major General Requirements


Credit hours:


 The biology major must complete at least 30 hours of course work in biology including a minimum of 16 hours in upper division (3000-4000 level) courses.

Grades:


A grade of C- or above must be attained in all required courses.

Chemistry:


All Biology students are required to complete these sequences in chemistry:

Note:

If you take CHEM 3310/3330 then you are required to take CHEM 3320/3340 to finish the sequence. The department will not substitute 3310/3330 or 3320/3340 for 3300/3400.

And, depending on the option (see advisor):


Note:

Some Biology options require additional chemistry courses. Please check with your advisor about those courses.

Mathematics:


All Biology majors are required to complete the following math courses:

Note:


Some Biology options require additional math courses.

Independent Study/Externships:


A maximum of 8 hours of credit taken in BIOL 9400-9490 (Independent Studies) and BIOL 4710-4740 (Externships) count toward the major.

Biology Major Options and Course Requirements


Note: Students must see their advisor to declare a biology option from the choices below; options should be declared no later than the end of the sophomore year

Note: All 3000-level courses and above presume the student having General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics. FAILURE TO TAKE COURSES IN THE RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE WILL RESULT IN FUTURE SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

Options for Biology Major


  • Human Biology Option: offered for students who are interested in pre-professional programs such as medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy and others or those wanting knowledge about human biology.
  • Exercise Science Option: offers a unique experience and the opportunity to gain knowledge from faculty whose specialties are in exercise physiology, biomechanics and sports nutrition. The program is grounded in science and the application of science to exercise. Graduates of this program may pursue careers in sports medicine or physical therapy, or continue their education with graduate degrees in exercise physiology.
  • Molecular and Cellular Option: offered for students who want to understand biology at the molecular level, where it is governed by the laws of Physics and Chemistry. Graduates of this program may pursue careers in medicine, research, biotechnology and bioinformatics that exist in academic, government and private industry settings.
  • Ecology and Evolution Option: offered for students interested in organisms, ecology, and evolution. This option gives students the opportunity to study the structure and functions of cells in animals and plants. Graduates of this program may pursue careers in wildlife management, ecology and natural resources.
  • Biology Education Option: A degree option is available for elementary, secondary and special education teachers.
  • Double Major Biology and Chemistry Option:  A degree that offers an option in both biology and chemistry.
  • Double Major Biology and Biochemistry Options: A degree that offers an option in both biology and biochemistry.

Please contact the Student Success Center or the College of Education for further information.

Curricular Requirements for Biology Options


Course Requirements for Human Biology Option


Math Requirements for Human Biology Option

Course Requirements for Exercise Science Option


Math Requirements for Exercise Science Option

  • (or a score of 10 or above on the calculus readiness exam. A score of >15 is preferred)

Course Requirements for Molecular and Cellular Option


Complete two Biology Elective Lab courses from the following list:

Math Requirements for Molecular and Cellular Option

Course Requirements for Ecology and Evolution Option


Complete the following Biology Elective courses:

Math Requirements for Ecology and Evolution Option

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