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2016-2017 University Catalog
Biology, BS
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Banner Code: SC-BS-BIOL
College: College of Science
Department: Biology
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees including the Mason Core . 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 BIOL 104 toward elective credit (or equivalent transfer credit at the 100 to 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, but a second time only with permission from the Department of Biology .
- Students may not count BIOL 124 and/or BIOL 125 toward any biology major requirement.
- Students who take BIOL 310 may not count BIOL 303 and/or BIOL 304 toward any biology major requirement.
- BIOL 308 meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.
- 44 credits must be in biology coursework.
- BIOL 493 , BIOL 495 , and BIOL 497 do not satisfy the requirements of the BS degree which state that students must complete at least two upper division courses that include a laboratory. The courses do, however, count as non-laboratory electives.
Several optional concentrations are available; details on each can be found below.
This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s program in biology or curriculum and instruction (SECB concentration) . See each listing for specific requirements.
Important information and departmental policies are listed in the Department of Biology section of this catalog.
Teacher Licensure
Students majoring in biology who wish to pursue a career teaching secondary school may consider applying for the undergraduate certificate program offered by the College of Education and Human Development as an option in seeking an initial Virginia teaching license. The certificate includes current endorsement and licensure coursework embedded within your major. Students apply to add this as a secondary program during their sophomore year and complete required content and education coursework leading to initial licensure in the state of Virginia within 120 credits.
Other routes to licensure include the Biology, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Biology Concentration) or select traditional Master’s programs. Please contact the Undergraduate Advisor in College of Education and Human Development for more information.
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Degree Requirements
All students must complete the biology core, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science courses listed below. Students then elect to complete the BS degree either with a concentration or without a concentration .
Biology Core Courses (22 credits)
Mathematics (3-6 credits)
Computer Science (3 credits)
Biology Core and Shared Courses Total: 49-52 credits
BS without Concentration
Students who do not select an optional concentration must complete the biology core and shared courses shown above in addition to the curriculum requirements listed below.
Biology Electives (22 credits)
- Complete 22 credits of additional biology courses
- Of which, at least 14 credits must be upper division, and at least two of the upper division courses must include a laboratory.
Additional Science Courses (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.
Note:
Students expecting to enter a professional school are strongly encouraged to complete MATH 113 and MATH 114 .
Without Concentration Total: 25-30 credits
BS with Concentration
Students pursuing the degree with a concentration must complete the biology core and shared courses as shown above and the requirements for the concentration. Concentration options described below include:
▲ Concentration in Biopsychology (BP)
The biopsychology concentration consists of a selection of courses designed to address the needs and interest of students who wish to study biology in more depth while simultaneously exploring psychology and neurobiology. This concentration will help prepare students for the MCAT section related to psychology and provide veterinary students with a background in animal learning/behavior.
Biopsychology Courses (12 credits)
Additional Psychology/Neuroscience Course (3-4 credits)
Choose from:
Additional Biology Courses (6-7 credits)
Choose from:
Additional Chemistry Courses (3-5 credits)
Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which of the following options (A or B) best meets their career goals.
BP Concentration Total: 24-28 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.
Biotechnology Courses (11 credits)
Additional Biology Courses (11 credits)
Of these 11 credits, at least one of the courses must include a laboratory. Choose from:
Additional Chemistry Courses (5 credits)
BTMB Concentration Total: 27 credits
▲ 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 .
Environmental and Conservation Biology (6 credits)
Biology Electives (16 credits)
Of which, two courses must be selected from the list below and must have either: 2 laboratory courses or 1 laboratory course and 1 field course (consult with an advisor for guidance).
Choose from:
Additional Science Courses (3-8 credits)
Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which of the following options (A, B, or C) best meets their career goals.
ESCB Concentration Total: 25-30 credits
▲ 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.
Microbiology Courses (16 credits)
Biology Electives (6 credits)
Choose from:
Additional Chemistry Courses (5 credits)
MIB Concentration Total: 27 credits
Mason Core and Elective Credits (38-47 credits)
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Without concentration: 38-46 credits
- BP concentration: 40-47 credits
- BTMB concentration: 41-44 credits
- ESCB concentration: 38-46 credits
- MIB concentration: 41-44 credits
Mason Core
Please note that some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.
Expand each item below for a link to specific course lists for each category:
Foundation Requirements (15-19 credits)
Core Requirements (22 credits)
Synthesis/Capstone Requirement (minimum 3 credits)
Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits
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