Degree Options
- BS in Biological Sciences
- BS in Biological Sciences— Emphasis in Research & Technology
- BS in Biological Sciences— Emphasis in Health & Medicine
- BS in Biological Sciences— Emphasis in Chemistry
The bachelor of science (BS) degree is designed for students who seek a rigorous, cross-disciplinary education in the physical sciences. Additional coursework is taken in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, providing the student with a broad scientific foundation suitable for careers in biotechnology, medicine, science-based research, health-related professions, chemical & molecular disciplines, and advanced graduate studies.
Degree Options
Four options are available for students pursuing the BS degree:
(1) BS in Biological Sciences
(2) BS in Biological Sciences -- Emphasis in Research & Technology
(3) BS in Biological Sciences -- Emphasis in Health & Medicine
(4) BS in Biological Sciences -- Emphasis in Chemistry
Students who complete any of the BS degree options will be able to:
A. Explain and apply biological, chemical, and physical principles as they relate to the living world:
- Describe the storage and transmission of genetic information in bacteria, plants, and animals.
- Explain the processes underlying evolutionary diversity and their impact on population dynamics.
- Quantify the flow of matter and energy in plants and animals and describe the central role played by metabolism in life processes.
- Critique the core principles of biology, chemistry, and physics in writings and in presentations.
B. Critically analyze the ethical ramifications of scientific research and technology and their impacts on society:
- Maintain a high level of honesty and integrity in all scientific work.
- Accurately report the original data, methods, and results for all experiments done.
- Give proper credit and references when using the work of other researchers.
C. Demonstrate the ability to do independent research and effectively communicate scientific information:
- Apply the scientific method to design and interpret laboratory experiments.
- Use computers as a tool for doing research, gathering information, and presenting results.
- Design and implement proper control experiments for scientific analysis.
- Demonstrate proficiency using standard laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Research and synthesize information taken from multiple sources in the scientific literature.
- Develop an independent research project and present the results in oral and written form.
D. Apply their skills and knowledge of the living world to grow as a global citizen and make positive contributions to society.
Core Coursework (all BS Degree Options)
All of the degree options require the same 60 hours of core coursework, but differ in how the upper-level electives are structured for each (described separately).
BS core coursework, 60 hours
| BIOL 1550, 1551 Essentials of Biology I | 5 hours |
| BIOL 1560, 1561 Essentials of Biology II | 5 hours |
| BIOL 2010 Evolution | 3 hours |
| BIOL 3050, 3051 Genetics | 4 hours |
| BIOL 3080, 3081 Cell Biology | 4 hours |
| BIOL 4400 Research Methods | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4430 BS Senior Thesis | 4 hours |
| CHEM 1100, 1101 General Chemistry I | 4 hours |
| CHEM 1110, 1111 General Chemistry II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 2100, 2101 Organic Chemistry I | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3100, 3101 Biochemistry I | 4 hours |
| MATH 1610 Calculus I | 5 hours |
| MATH 3200 Statistics | 3 hours |
| PHYS 2030, 2031 University Physics I | 4 hours |
| PHYS 2040, 2041 University Physics II | 4 hours |
BS in Biological Sciences— 80 hours
The general degree offers the greatest flexibility, allowing students to select 20 hours of electives from any of our 3000+ level BIOL or CHEM or PHYS courses.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 128 credit hours consisting of the following:
- 60 credit hours BS core coursework (described above)
- 20 additional credit hours in BIOL or CHEM or PHYS at the 3000-4000 level
- Applicable university global citizenship or general education program hours
Electives
BS in Biological Sciences — Emphasis in Research & Technology— 86 hours
The Research & Technology track features upper-level courses that emphasize the variety of laboratory technologies, research methods, and data analysis techniques commonly encountered in a research environment. It is designed primarily for students pursuing a career path in: (a) commercial, academic, or government research, (b) high-demand technical and laboratory positions, and (c) graduate studies in advanced biology fields and related areas such as biochemistry and biophysics.
Emphasis-Specific Learning Outcomes
In addition to the general learning outcomes, students who complete the Emphasis in Research & Technology will be able to:
- Read and analyze journal articles on various topics from the current literature in biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Understand and apply a wide range of advanced laboratory techniques commonly found in a research level setting.
- Demonstrate a diverse scientific background and the ability to think and act independently on science problems.
- Seek admission to graduate programs or pursue employment in research positions to further our scientific knowledge
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 128 credit hours consisting of the following:
- 60 credit hours BS core coursework (described above)
- 26 credit hours (described below)
- Applicable university global citizenship or general education program hours
- Electives
Required courses, 65 hours
| BS core coursework (described above) | 60 hours |
| BIOL 3900 Journal Club | 3 hours |
|
BIOL 4700 Independent Research in Biology I
or CHEM 4700 Independent Research in Chemistry I or PHYS 4700 Independent Research in Physics I |
2 hours |
Any 3 courses selected from the following, 10 hours minimum
| BIOL 3120, 3121 Microbiology | 4 hours |
| BIOL 3200, 3201 Ecology | 4 hours |
| BIOL 3400 Cell Culture | 3 hours |
| BIOL 3700, 3701 Plant Physiology | 4 hours |
| BIOL 4000, 4001 Methods in Molecular Biology | 4 hours |
| BIOL 4050 Gene Expression | 3 hours |
Any 3 courses selected from the following, 11 hours minimum
| CHEM 2110, 2111 Organic Chemistry II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3110, 3111 Biochemistry II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3500, 3501 Physical Chemistry I | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3510, 3511 Physical Chemistry II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3700, 3701 Fluorescence | 4 hours |
|
MATH 3210 Data Mining Foundations
or MATH 3220 Data Mining Methods |
3 hours |
BS in Biological Sciences— Emphasis in Health & Medicine— 82 hours
The Health & Medicine track is designed for students interested in a continuing education in any of the various medical fields, particularly those pursuing a pre-professional program like Pre-Med or Pre-Vet. It is meant primarily for students preparing for careers such as medical doctors, physician's assistants, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, physical therapists, or athletic trainers. In addition to the science courses listed below, students entering health and medical fields are encouraged to take 4 semesters of a foreign language and 2 semesters of writing intensive courses.
Emphasis-Specific Learning Outcomes
In addition to the general learning outcomes, students who complete the Emphasis in Health & Medicine will be able to:
- Describe the role of biological, chemical, and physical principles as they relate to the functioning of humans and animals.
- Understand the mechanisms of sickness and disease at the molecular and cellular level.
- Pursue a career in various health related professions or seek admission to professional programs to further their studies.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 128 credit hours consisting of the following:
- 60 credit hours BS core coursework (described above)
- 22 credit hours (described below)
- Applicable university global citizenship or general education program hours
- Electives
Required courses, 76 hours
| BS core coursework (described above) | 60 hours |
| BIOL 3010, 3011 Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 hours |
| BIOL 3020, 3021 Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 2110, 2111 Organic Chemistry II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3110, 3111 Biochemistry II | 4 hours |
Any 2 courses selected from the following, 6 hours minimum
| BIOL 3120, 3121 Microbiology | 4 hours |
| BIOL 3150 Nutrition | 3 hours |
| BIOL 3800 Medical Terminology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4300 Immunology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4500 Virology | 3 hours |
BS in Biological Sciences— Emphasis in Chemistry — 84 hours
The Chemistry track is designed for students who desire to further expand and deepen their knowledge in the field of chemistry. It is particularly well suited for students who are interested in pharmaceuticals and for those pursuing laboratory positions or graduate studies in areas involving chemical techniques. This track requires additional coursework in mathematics and advanced chemistry courses and the electives include biology courses that contain a significant chemical component. In addition, students pursuing the chemistry track are expected to develop a senior thesis research topic that has a significant chemical basis.
Emphasis-Specific Learning Outcomes
In addition to the general learning outcomes, students who complete the Emphasis in Chemistry will be able to:
- Appreciate and describe the foundational role played by chemical processes in living entities.
- Understand and apply a higher level of mathematics to describe various chemical and physical systems.
- Further their studies in graduate school or pursue laboratory positions in areas relying on advanced chemical techniques.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 128 credit hours consisting of the following:
- 60 credit hours BS core coursework (described above)
- 24 credit hours (described below)
- Applicable university global citizenship or general education program hours
- Electives
Required courses, 81 hours
| BS core coursework (described above) | 60 hours |
| CHEM 2110, 2111 Organic Chemistry II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3500, 3501 Physical Chemistry I | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3510, 3511 Physical Chemistry II | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3700, 3701 Fluorescence | 4 hours |
| MATH 1620 Calculus II | 5 hours |
Any 1 course selected from the following, 3 hours minimum
| BIOL 1200 Stream Ecology | 4 hours |
| BIOL 2200 Biological Basis of Animal Behavior | 3 hours |
| SCIN 1520, 1521 Environment | 4 hours |
Any 1 course selected from the following, 3 hours minimum
| BIOL 3150 Nutrition | 3 hours |
| BIOL 3200, 3201 Ecology | 4 hours |
| CHEM 3110, 3111 Biochemistry II | 4 hours |
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