Biology Major

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The biology major provides a foundation for professional or graduate study in science, education, medicine, and other health-related fields. In addition to natural science studies, the program includes the broad cultural background in the arts, humanities, and social sciences advised by the American Medical Association and offers the undergraduate preparation necessary for medical or dental school. A Christian perspective on bioethics, evolution, and ecology adds an important dimension to the program.

Graduates with a B.S. (Biology) will have a solid, broad-based background in the biological sciences. They will know how to apply the scientific method to research and be familiar with the use of biological instruments and techniques. Additionally, students will comprehend essential facts and principles of biology and effectively communicate using scientific notation and terminology. The biology major prepares students to articulate and defend a Christian perspective on ethical and controversial issues in science and recognize the importance of these skills in Christian service.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology requires completion of the following 128 credits:
General Education Core (54 credit hours)
Biology Core (40 credit hours)
Electives (34 credit hours)

General Education Requirements

Biblical Studies (12 credit hours)

Take each of the following four courses (some courses are cross-listed and only one prefix needs to be taken):

Communication (12 credit hours)

Tak each of the following four courses:

COM 103 - Public Speaking (CUS) (3)
COM 212 - Persuasion (3)
ENG 102 - English Composition (3)
ENG 104 - Research Writing (3)
ENG 105 - Honors English
may be taken by invitation of the English faculty to fulfill requirements for both ENG 102 and ENG 104.

Arts and Humanities (9 credit hours)

Take one course from each of the following three academic disciplines:

Philosophy (3 credit hours)

PHL 202 - Philosophical Inquiry (3)

Fine Arts (3 credit hours)

Choose one course from the following:

Literature (3 credit hours)

Choose one course from the following:

Social Sciences (15 credit hours)

Take each of the following five courses:

Integrative Studies (3 credit hours)

* Please see the First- Year Integration (FYI) page for specific information about this required course.

INT 101 - First-Year Integration (3)

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

MAT 111 - College Algebra (3)

Biology Major Core (40 credit hours)

Each student with a Biology major will take:

Required Biology Core Courses (11 hrs.)
Required support Courses (10 hrs.)
Electives A - three courses (11-12 hrs.)
Electives B - two courses (6-7 hrs.)
Electives C - one course (2-3 hrs.)
Total (40-43 hrs.)

Students may take more than the required courses, but must complete the minimum number. In addition to the required biology (BIO) courses, the student majoring in biology will be required to complete two semesters of a support course, General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II.

Courses offered in each category are:

Required Biology Core (11 credit hours)

Complete the following courses:

Required Support Core (10 credit hours)

Complete the following courses:

Electives A: Organismic Biology Core (11-12 credit hours)

(complete at least three courses, with a minimum of 11 credit hours in this category)

Electives B: Advanced Biology Core (6-7 credit hours)

(complete at least two courses, with a minimum of 6 credit hours in this category)

Electives C: Research/Field Biology Core (2-3 credit hours)

(complete at least one course, with a minimum of 2 credit hours in this category)