Biology, B.S.

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The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is an excellent option for students interested in pre-medical, pre-dental, and other pre-health programs of study, while also being great preparation for graduate work in a science-related field. It can also lead to good jobs immediately after completion of the degree without attending a graduate or professional program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Describe and apply key principles, terms, and theories. Students will be able to describe and apply key principles, terms, and theories in the major subfields of biology.
Use scientific instruments and perform basic laboratory techniques. Students will be able to use scientific instruments and perform basic techniques in a laboratory or field setting.
Collect and analyze observational and numerical data. Students will be able to collect and analyze observational and numerical data to answer biological questions.
Critically read and evaluate biological literature. Students will be able to read, interpret, and critically evaluate the primary biological literature and primary or secondary literature in bioethics and/or the philosophy of science.
Communicate biological information in oral and written form. Students will be able to communicate biological information in both oral and written form for the benefit of other students, scientists, and the general public.
Integrate Christian faith with biology and examine its implications. Students will be able to integrate the Christian faith with the field of biology and examine the implications this has for addressing questions in science, theology, philosophy, bioethics, or public policy.

Students interested in teaching biology should consider pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) through the Accelerated Master’s Program. Successful completion of the M.A.T. prepares students for teaching licensure in the state of Arkansas. A minor in Education can help prepare students for alternative secondary teaching certification.

Refer to this link for Preparation for Medical School and other Professional Study information.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Biology

University Core Curriculum - 39 hours

Program requirements satisfy 9 of the 48 hours in the Core Curriculum.

The Mathematics elective area is satisfied by one of the following: MTH 1123 , MTH 2103 .
The six hours of the Natural Science elective area, including the lab requirement, are satisfied by BIO 1124 and CHM 1124 .

Core Curriculum Courses

Biology Major Core - 33 hours

BIO 1124 Cell Biology (On Campus)
BIO 1144 Plant and Animal Diversity (On Campus)
BIO 2174 Genetics (On Campus)
BIO 2184 Ecology and Evolution (On Campus)
CHM 1124 General Chemistry I (On Campus)
CHM 1134 General Chemistry II (On Campus)
MTH 1123 Survey of Calculus (On Campus)
MTH 2103 Applied Statistics for Scientists (On Campus)

One of the following

BIO 4103 Bioethics (On Campus)
GSC 4133 Faith and Science (On Campus)

Biology Major Electives - 20 hours

20 hours of upper-division BIO or BIOAS courses, which may include CHM 3163 with CHM 3121 and as many as four hours of research (BIO 4221 /BIO 4222 /BIO 4223 ).

Biology Career-Related Experience - 0-3 hours

An experience intended to help prepare students for a job or post-baccalaureate education in a biology-related field.

For Biology majors, (other than those students who are participating in the PHPP), the Biology Career-Related Experience courses are recommended but not required.

Off-Campus Shadowing Experience

For students in the Pre-Health Professions Program (does not fulfill upper-division Biology elective credit)

BIO 3302 Field Experience (On Campus)

Summer Research Experience

REU taken at another institution

BIO 4220 Biological Research (On Campus)

On-Campus Research Experience

Also fulfills upper-division Biology elective credit

BIO 4221 Biological Research (On Campus)
BIO 4222 Biological Research (On Campus)
BIO 4223 Biological Research (On Campus)

Off-Campus Internship Experience

BIO 4310 Biology Internship (On Campus)

Additional courses

Selected in consultation with academic advisor, for completion of an optional minor or fulfillment of prerequisites for graduate school, medical school, dental school or other professional schools. May also include additional upper-division Biology courses, including additional hours of research (BIO 4221 /BIO 4222 /BIO 4223 ), or courses applied toward completion of a second major.