Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Degree Requirements = 121 credit hours

The purposes of the major in Biology are:

  1. to provide each student with a broad understanding of the facts and principles of biology, and essentials of its cognate sciences, as well as a working knowledge of the conduct of science generally;
     
  2. to help students integrate the study and practice of biology with their Christian faith, in the worship of God and service of man; and
     
  3. to prepare them for graduate study and careers in biology.

As a result of study in this program students will:

  • Demonstrate broad knowledge of major biological disciplines, and of math and chemistry as they apply to biology
     
  • Be prepared in every major area a course should cover, according to national standards.
     
  • Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the scientific method
     
  • Know how to use a formal scientific lab notebook
     
  • Be able to comprehend and present orally the contents of a scientific research journal article.
     
  • Be able to discuss and evaluate scientific data and claims analytically and rationally
     
  • Be able to communicate their understanding of a biological subject orally and in writing.
     
  • Demonstrate understanding of the historical roots and philosophical context of modern science, especially in relation to the Christian faith
     
  • Be able to show how Christian faith applies to the study and practice of biology, especially how it reflects God’s glory and can be used to serve others
     
  • Be able to consider, articulate, and support their opinions and conclusions about faith and science
     
  • Be equipped for spiritual and ethical decision-making in the workplace
     
  • Compete successfully for employment requiring only a B.S. in Biology
     
  • Compete successfully for admission to graduate school or other educational programs in biology
     
Core

43 hours

(Natural Science requirements are included in the major)
  
Major Courses

38 hours
    BI-1104 General Biology I 4 hours
    BI-1204 General Biology II 4 hours
    BI-3004 Ecology 4 hours
    BI-2224 Microbiology 4 hours
    BI-3234 Genetics 4 hours
    GS-3102 Science Communication 2 hours
    BI-3014 Cell Biology 4 hours
    CH-4074 Biochemistry 4 hours
    BI-4054 Biotechnology 4 hours
    BI-4064 Special Studies in Biology 4 hours
 
Cognate Courses

24 hours
    CH-1144 General Chemistry I 4 hours
    CH-1244 General Chemistry II 4 hours
    MA-2133 Trigonometry 3 hours
    MA-2144 Calculus I 3 hours
    HU-3313 History and Philosophy of Science 3 hours
    MA-2044 College Algebra 3 hours
    MA-2133 Applied Statistics 3 hours
    BI-1504 Biocareers 1 hours
 
General Electives (3/4000 level) 8 hours
 

Total

121 hours