Biology (B.A.)

Location(s): Campus

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Major Courses

BIO 111 - Introductory Biology I Credit Hours: 4 (see General Education below) π
BIO 112 - Introductory Biology II Credit Hours: 4
BIO 173 - Freshman Seminar in Biology Credit Hours: 2
BIO 305 - Principles of Genetics Credit Hours: 4 *
BIO 362 - Principles of Ecology Credit Hours: 4 *
BIO 480 - Senior Seminar Credit Hours: 2
CHE 111 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
CHE 201 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4 *
MAT 351 - Statistics Credit Hours: 3 (see General Education below) *π
Choose courses from below to total at least 11 credit hours.
BIO 261 - Human Anatomy Credit Hours: 4 *
BIO 321 - Parasitology Credit Hours: 4
BIO 342 - Vertebrate Zoology Credit Hours: 4 *
BIO 352 - Microbiology Credit Hours: 4 *
BIO 365 - Introduction to Pharmacology Credit Hours: 3 *
BIO 401 - Cell Biology Credit Hours: 3 *
BIO 404 - Human Physiology Credit Hours: 4 *
BIO 406 - Molecular Genetics Credit Hours: 4 *
CHE 472 - Biological Chemistry I Credit Hours: 5 *
CHE 473 - Biological Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4 *
Other BIO or CHE approved substitutions.

Biology (B.A.) Major Credit Hours 41

General Education

Community of Learners Core Courses

COR 100 - Life In Community Credit Hours: 2 +
COR 200 - Christ, Culture, and Diversity Credit Hours: 2 +
COR 374 - Preparing for Cross Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 1 +
COR 375 - Cross Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3 +
COR 300 - Christian Faith and Community Credit Hours: 2
COR 400 - Christian Life and Vocation Credit Hours: 2

Biblical Studies Courses

BIB 217 - Survey of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3 +
BIB 218 - Survey of the New Testament Credit Hours: 3 +

Liberal Arts Skills Courses

ENG 104 - College Writing Credit Hours: 3 ^*
ENG 304 - Writing and Research Credit Hours: 3 ^*#
HPR 101 - Personal Fitness and Wellness Credit Hours: 2
Speech See General Education Section for approved courses Credit Hours: 2 ^

Liberal Arts Pathways Courses

Art Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 2 Credit Hours
History Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Literature Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Mathematics Pathway - MAT 351 - Statistics (see Major courses)
Music Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 2 Credit Hours
Philosophy Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Science with Lab Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 4 Credit Hours
Social Science Pathway - BIO 111 - Introductory Biology I (see Major courses)

General Education Credit Hours 47

Elective Credit Hours 31

B.A. in Biology Total Credit Hours 120

Symbol Key

^ Grade of “C” or better required.
* This course has a prerequisite.
# Possible waiver by exam.
π A major course that meets a General Education requirement.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.

Biology Learning Outcomes

Students in the biology major will engage with functions of organisms and their parts, interactions of organisms with their environments, and mechanisms for continued survival. Students will experience hands-on laboratory and/or field work. Students will examine biology from a Christian perspective and demonstrate scientific research abilities. Students will cultivate an appreciation for life and the moral integrity to use knowledge wisely, enabling them to improve quality of life for individuals as well as the quality of the earth’s environment.

Upper Level Course Requirement

Depending on which courses students choose in the biology major, they may not acquire 36 upper-level credit hours (300-400) in their major coursework. However, students are required to complete 36 credit hours of upper-level courses in order to graduate. Students in the B.S. in biology program should include upper-level coursework in their electives to ensure they will meet graduation requirements.

Departmental Assessment

Biology majors are required to pass a departmental examination before graduation.

Program Oversight

The biology majors are overseen by the Department of Biology in the School of Natural Sciences. Courses with ASI and BIO numbers are administered by this department. Questions about the major should be directed to the school dean.