| Biology
Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate
degree programs from the former Department of Biology are
now administered by the Department of Molecular and Microbiology.
The degree programs remain the same and students' academic
programs are unaffected. Classes will be taught by the faculty
from MMB as well as by the faculty from the Department of
Environmental Science and Policy (ESP).
Classes adminstered
by this program have the BIOL acronym. Admissions and
degree requirements are listed in the individual program pages
and the GMU catalog.
Degrees:
B.A. Degree with a Major in Biology
B.S. Degree with a Major in Biology
B.S. Degree with a Specialization in Biotechnology
B.S. Degree with a Major in Medical Technology
Opportunities in Biology
The B.A. and B.S. degrees in
biology provide a sound liberal education with substantial
experience in quantitative and analytical thought along with
preparation for a related profession. In addition to assuring
the strong background necessary for graduate study in the
many fields of biological science, the broad range of courses
available at George Mason allows students to develop expertise
in the following career-related areas: environmental management,
microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics,
secondary education, natural history, and medical technology.
Alternatively, students may prepare for post- graduate studies
in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, wildlife management,
fisheries biology, or marine science. For additional information
contact the Biology Department, David J. King Hall, Room 3005,
(703) 993-1050.
Laboratory Requirement
Most biology courses include
a required laboratory in which students are expected to actively
participate. Laboratories include field trips, experiments
with live plants and animals, and dissections of preserved
specimens.
Advising
All biology and medical technology
majors must have an adviser's signature to register.
Transfer Students
Residence Requirement
Students majoring in biology
are required to complete 16 semester hours of credit for the
major at the 300 and 400 level at the university.
PAGE Students
The general education and mathematics
requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees are satisfied by
successful completion of the Program for Alternative General
Education (PAGE). See the PAGE office (222 Thompson) for sample
schedules for majors in biology.
Premedical, Predental,
and Preveterinary Students
Students planning to enter
medical, dental, or veterinary schools may choose to major
in biology. Such students should meet with one of the Department
of Biology Health Sciences Advisers in their second semester
for assistance and information about the University's Health
Sciences Advisory Committee.
Because schools in the health
sciences vary both in their philosophies and in their specific
requirements, it is wise for the student to become aware of
such information well in advance of applying for admission.
Although specific requirements vary, most programs do require
applicants to complete at least one year of biology, organic
chemistry (CHEM 313, 314, 315, and 318 or 320), and a year
of college physics (PHYS 343 through 346). A course in calculus
is required by some and highly recommended by others. Admission
requirements can generally be met by either a B.A. or a B.S.
degree. Students who decide not to major in biology should
take a two semester general biology course (BIOL 103, 104).
Students transferring to an
accredited medical, dental, or veterinary school should refer
to the Residence Requirements section of this catalog.
Secondary Teacher Licensure
(Certification)
Students who wish to become secondary
school teachers of biology are required to earn a bachelor's
degree with a major in biology as awarded at George Mason University.
The courses taken should include the biology core courses. A
year of mathematics and general chemistry is also required.
The professional preparation component of the state-approved
teacher education programs for secondary school teachers is
offered in the Graduate School of Education. See the Graduate
School of Education section of the catalog for information.
Students seeking licensure (certification)
in biology or general science are required to consult with
the Biology Department Secondary Education Adviser and the
appropriate discipline adviser in the Graduate School of Education.
Grades of C or better in science courses are required for
students teaching in biology.
Environmental Management Certificate
The Department of Biology offers an undergraduate
certificate program in environmental management for students
interested in environmental issues. The program consists of
a minimum of 27 hours of course work, most of which, with
appropriate planning, could be counted toward the fulfillment
of B.S. or B.A. requirements in biology. The curriculum provides
a substantive appreciation of the biological, physical, and
social aspects of environmental problems and methods for their
analysis and resolution. It should particularly interest students
wishing to pursue graduate work or seeking employment in the
environmental field. All biology majors are eligible to enroll.
For further information see the Certificates and Interdisciplinary
Minors section of this catalog.
Biology for Nonmajors
Students who are not majoring in science
or mathematics and who wish to fulfill their natural science
requirement with a two-semester laboratory sequence in biology,
should enroll in BIOL 103, 104. Exceptions include candidates
for the B.S. in psychology with a physiological cognate, who
must take BIOL 213, 303. Chemistry, physics, and mathematics
majors should consult their faculty adviser to determine which
biology courses to take.
Minor in Biology
Candidates for the Minor in Biology must
complete the following courses: BIOL 213, 303, 304, and either
307 or 311 plus one other 3-4 hour course at the 300, 400,
or 500 level.
|
