2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Biology, BS


Banner Code:  SC-BS-BIOL

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements . Students must complete their biology coursework and the supporting requirements below with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Additionally:

  • Students may apply no more than 8 credits of BIOL 103 or 104 toward elective credit (or equivalent transfer credit at the 100-200 level) if taken before successful completion of BIOL 213.
  • Biology majors must earn a minimum grade of C in all biology core courses listed below. A grade of C or better must be earned in BIOL 213 in order to advance to other core requirements.
  • Students may repeat BIOL 213 once and a second time only with permission of the Biology Undergraduate Program.
  • BIOL 308 meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.

Serveral optional concentrations are available (see below). Through the course work below, biology majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.

This program of study is offered by the Biology Undergraduate Program in the College of Science .

Degree Requirements


Students who do not select an optional concentration complete the curriculum requirements listed below.

22 credits of biology electives:


  • 22 credits of additional biology courses of which at least 14 credits must be upper division and two of the upper division courses must include a laboratory.

One of the following options (3-8 credits):


Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which option (A, B or C) best meets their career goals.

3 credits of computer science chosen from one of the following:


Note:


Students expecting to enter professional school are strongly urged to complete MATH 113 and 114. Students who wish to take biochemistry must take BIOL 483 to receive credit toward the major in biology.

▲ Concentration in Biology Education (with Licensure) (BIED)


The education concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students who wish to pursue a career teaching high school biology. The concentration allows students to receive a license to teach biology in Virginia secondary schools within 120 credits.

Through the course work below, students satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in social and behavioral science, natural science, quantitative reasoning, information technology proficiency and synthesis.  Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete their biology course work and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements  and the additional rules for the BS in biology listed above.

8 credits of biology electives:


  • 8 credits of additional biology courses. BIOL 124 and 125 are not eligible to fulfill this requirement.

One of the following options (3-8 credits):


Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which option (A, B, or C) best meets their career goals.

3 credits of computer science chosen from one of the following:


Teacher Licensure Requirement (21 credits):


▲ Concentration in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (BTMB)


The biotechnology and molecular biology concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students who seek employment in the field or wish to include an applied component in their undergraduate training in biology.

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete their biology course work and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements  and the additional rules for the BS in biology listed above. Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.

Notes:


*BIOL 403 must be taken with BIOL 402 and BIOL 453 must be taken with BIOL 452.

**Registration for BIOL 417, 418 or 497 subject to approval by program coordinator.

3 credits of computer science chosen from the following:


▲ Concentration in Environmental and Conservation Biology (ESCB)


This concentration is offered to students seeking a biology degree that focuses on ecology and organismal biology and prepares them for graduate work or employment in environmental and conservation fields, such as natural resources management, fisheries, forestry, water quality management, aquatic and wetland ecology, and conservation biology. The concentration is staffed and supported by the Department of Environmental Science and Policy.

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete their biology course work and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements  and the additional rules for the BS in biology listed above. Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.

6 credits in environmental and conservation biology


3-4 credits in field biology chosen from:


Note:


*If not used for field course requirement.

One of the following options (3-8 credits):


  • One chemistry course at the 300 or 400 level (not CHEM 314)

3 credits of computer science chosen from the following:


▲ Concentration in Marine and Freshwater Biology (MFWB)


This concentration is offered to students seeking a biology degree that focuses on the biology of organisms in marine and freshwater environments.

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete their biology course work and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements  and the additional rules for the BS in biology listed above. Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.

10 credits of marine and freshwater courses:


3 credits of computer science chosen from the following:


Note:


PHED 255 is strongly recommended but not required.

▲ Concentration in Microbiology (MIB)


This concentration offers lecture and laboratory courses in microbiology to prepare students for employment or advanced study in microbial genetics, physiology, diversity, and related fields.

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete their biology course work and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including university general education requirements  and the additional rules for the BS in biology listed above. Through the course work below, they satisfy the university-wide general education requirements in natural science, quantitative reasoning, and information technology proficiency.

3 credits of computer science chosen from one of the following: