Program Description
The Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree in biology provides a strong foundation in life sciences emphasizing an interdisciplinary and liberal education approach. Biology majors study the diversity of life, and vital topics such as structure and function, evolution, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology. Students considering a degree in the Biological Sciences can choose from two areas of concentration listed below. Both biology curricula lead to a variety of post-graduation school and career options. Students are encouraged to examine the differences in course requirements and select a curriculum that best matches their academic and career interests. Qualified students may also participate in the Nu Zeta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta, a national biological honors society.
Concentrations
- General Biology (GBIO)
- Pre-Health Professional (HLT)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will:
- Demonstrate both in-depth and broad knowledge of the concepts comprising the biological sciences.
- Integrate knowledge across sub-disciplines of biology.
- Demonstrate basic laboratory skills, including quantitative (and qualitative) skills.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills, including developing hypotheses and designing, conducting, analyzing, and interpreting experiments.
- Communicate biological knowledge effectively in written and oral form.
- Find, select, and evaluate various types of scientific information.
Major Requirements
Students majoring in biology must satisfy the general education course requirements, complete the required major and elective courses for a minimum total of 120 semester hours (SH) to graduate. To complete the major in biology, the student is required to complete 59 SH in the major. The major components include 19 SH of Foundation courses (several of these courses can be taken as part of the general education (GE) requirements), 21 SH of Breadth courses, and 19 SH of Depth courses. The biology student must select a concentration (with associated depth courses) that best matches their academic and career interests.
A minimum grade of C- or better is required in each of the Foundation, Breadth and Depth courses.
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Foundation Courses (19 Semester Hours)
The following foundation courses are required to prepare students for both breadth and depth studies.
Breadth Courses (21 Semester Hours)
Students are required to complete 10 SH of required courses and complete the remaining 11 hours by taking courses (with or without accompanying lab) from each of the Areas I, II, III, and IV. Courses used to fulfill the breadth areas may not be used to fulfill depth concentration requirements.
Depth Courses (19 Semester Hours)
The program offers two areas of concentration, General Biology (GBIO) and Pre-Health Professional (HLT). Students must select a concentration that best matches their academic and career interests.
General Biology Concentration
The General Biology concentration allows students to develop a broader understanding of the biological sciences. Students will obtain a greater breadth of knowledge by completing additional coursework in breadth areas I, II, III and IV and BIO elective courses. This concentration is particularly suited for students wanting to pursue careers in education, business, law, public health, government, pharmaceuticals, environmental health, biotechnology, and lab technicians.
Pre-Health Professional Concentration
The Pre-Health Professional concentration allows students to explore courses that apply to clinical and research areas. This concentration is designed to assist a student in gaining admission to and succeeding in a professional health program, including, but not limited to allopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, podiatric medicine, veterinary medicine, and Ph.D. programs.
Minor Program
Recommendations
For more information, please visit the Department of Biological Sciences website and explore to the planning worksheets: https://www.wssu.edu/admissions/programs/biology.html
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