Mar 19, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology - Major


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The Bachelor of Science degree in biology consists of a two-tiered curriculum. Tier I is a three-semester introductory biological systems course that includes topics in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, organism diversity (with an emphasis on plants and animals), the structure and function of multicellular organisms, population, community, and ecosystem ecology. The second tier centers on three major levels of biological investigation: the cell and its molecular components, the organism, and ecology. Biology majors choose one upper division course from each of these levels of biological investigation in addition to one elective upper division course from any level. Interwoven throughout is a four semester one-credit course sequence focusing on scientific communication and research. The final course in the sequence (SCI 420) serves as a capstone course where students will demonstrate integration of their learning.

All biology department courses for the major programs must be completed with a grade of C- or better to satisfy the program requirements.

Note: See list of Minors for related minors in Bioethics , Environmental Science , Horticultural Therapy , Pre-Dental Pre-Medical , Pre-Veterinary , and Toxicology .

Biology Core


The Biology core provides the foundation for this program.  Some of these courses are also part of the Nazareth College Core Curriculum; these courses include a “Q” in the prefix (e.g., BIO.Q).

Additional Courses Required for Biology - Major


Elective Courses for Biology - Major


Biology majors select 1 course from each of the following lists of courses (Cellular/Molecular, Organismal, Ecology) for a total of 3 courses and a minimum of 11 credits (two of the three courses must have a lab component). The fourth Biology elective can be any upper division Biology course for Biology majors (3 or 4 credits). Note: Each course chosen will only satisfy ONE requirement. 

Note: All courses must be taken with the laboratory whenever a laboratory is offered.

Fourth Biology Elective


Students must choose one additional course of at least three credits from any of the three categories above (cellular/molecular, organismal, ecology). SCI 450 (Advanced Scientific Research) is also an available elective, as long as students take a minimum of three credits.

Note: Each course chosen will only satisfy ONE requirement.

In addition to the Biology Core, students in the Biology major are required to take the following:

Mathematics Requirement


Physics Requirement


Students must complete the following Physics sequence:

Scientific Communication and Research Courses/Capstone


The Comprehensive Examination requirement typically is satisfied by the student completing the Major Field Test in Biology in BIO 499.

Biology Sample Program


Sophomore Year


  • Perspectives - Enduring Questions (PEQ) Credits: 6-9
  • Cellular/Molecular, Organismal, or Ecology Elective with Lab - Credits: 4-8

Junior Year


  • Perspectives - Enduring Questions (PEQ) Credits: 3-6
  • Integrative Studies (IS) Credits: 3-6
  • Cellular/Molecular, Organismal, or Ecology Elective with Lab - Credits: 4-8
  • Core Milestone Experience Credits: 0

Senior Year


  • Integrative Studies (IS) Credits: 3-6
  • Liberal Arts Electives Credits: 6-12
  • Cellular/Molecular, Organismal, or Ecology Elective with Lab - Credits: 4
  • Biology Electives Credits: 4

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