Bachelor of Science in Biology
This curriculum prepares students for the rigors of graduate school, professional schools of medicine and allied health, and biologically oriented employment opportunities. Four concentrations are available to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology: Biological Sciences, Premedicine, Allied Health and Secondary Education (Biology Education).
The Biological Sciences concentration prepares the student for a biologically related profession or for graduate school. The specific requirements are Biology 111, 112, 211, 324-324L, 412 and one course from Biology 313-313L or 317, and at least 15 credits from Biology 212-212L, 235, 310-310L, 311, 318, 322-322L, 331, 332, 336, 341, 347, 352-352L, 362. Other requirements are: Chemistry 105, 113, 114 (if a fourth chemistry course is required, choose from 214 or 242); Physics 103 or 200 (if second Physics course is required, choose from 104 or 201); and Mathematics 117, 121 or 251.
The Premedicine concentration prepares the student for entry into professional schools of medicine and related fields such as dentistry, osteopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry and podiatric medicine. The specific require-ments are Biology 111, 112, 211, 324-324L, 341, 412 and one course from Biology 313-313L or 317, and at least 11 credits from Biology 212-212L, 235,310-310L, 311, 318, 322-322L, 331, 336, 347, 352-352L, 362. Other requirements are: Chemistry 105, 113, 114, 214 or 242; Physics 103 and 104 or Physics 200 and 201; and Mathematics 117, 121 or 251. Specific schools may require additional courses. For example, all pre-veterinary medicine students should schedule courses in biochemistry and microbiology. Students interested in the premedical program should consult the Chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee. The Committee serves the following functions: 1) work jointly with premedical students and their major advisors to ensure that all prerequisites are met for entry into schools of medicine; 2) advise students on registration and preparation for medical school admissions tests; 3) assist students in the preparation and submission of applications to medical schools; 4) draft a composite letter of evaluation and endorsement for worthy candidates and forward this information to appropriate medical school admissions committees; 5) offer assistance in preparing for medical school interviews; 6) solicit and collect literature that will aid students to plan financially for their medical training; and 7) maintain statistics on medical school placement for advising and administrative purposes.
The Allied Health concentration prepares the student for entry into the professional allied health science programs of Thomas Jefferson University, Widener University, and, after three years, other accredited pre-approved programs.
Students interested in this program should consult Dr. Jonathon Coren and refer to the cooperative programs.
The Secondary Education concentration (Biology Education) prepares the student for receipt of Pennsylvania Secondary Education Certification within the framework of the biology major. This program provides a strong background in the biological sciences, while simultaneously fulfilling the requirements for secondary teaching certification. The specific requirements are Biology 111, 112, 211, 324 and 324L, and one course from Biology 313-313L or 317, and at least 11 credits from Biology 212-212L, 235, 311, 318, 322-322L, 335, 336, 341, 343, 347, 352-352L, 354-354L or 362. Other requirements are: Chemistry 105, 113, 114; Physics 103 or 200; two math courses (7 credits); one course in Earth Science; two courses in English (one literature and one writing) and Education 105, 150, 241, 282, 305, 470 and 490.
Students interested in this concentration should consult Dr. Thomas Murray.
