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B.S. in Biology

The Biology is among the most diverse and exciting of the Sciences. It deals with the structure of the molecules essential for life, with the development and physiology of living organisms, and with the genetic structure of natural populations of organisms. Recent discoveries are enabling biologists to understand life at the molecular level. These findings promise to unleash knowledge that will affect health, nutrition, and the environment, in beneficial ways.

Mission

The Bachelor of Science in Biology Program is committed to academic excellence, and provides a solid foundation in the Biological Sciences in preparation for careers in Biology, Biotechnology, and related advanced studies in the Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, while maintaining the tradition of the liberal arts education.

Educational Objectives

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Biology is to:

1. Provide the foundation of a common core of Biology, and other supporting courses.
2. Provide access to advanced concepts and techniques in biological sciences.
3. Offer a variety of lecture and laboratory courses, to reflect the different aspects of biology.
4. Expose students to the recent trends in molecular biology, and biotechnology.
5. Give students significant opportunities for research experiences.
6. Prepare students interested in health-related fields, Graduate studies, and other associated professions.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates in the Bachelor of Science in Biology will:

1. Successfully show the acquisition of sufficient knowledge of the basic content of the biological sciences.
2. Successfully demonstrate the gaining of sufficient knowledge of the theoretical constructs of the biological sciences.
3. Successfully demonstrate the acquisition of adequate knowledge of the basic content of courses in statistics, computing, physics, and chemistry, which are required for an understanding of the biological sciences.
4. Demonstrate an adequate experience in lab and advanced research techniques.
5. Demonstrate significant research experience.
6. Show a critical thinking ability in the biological sciences, and other supporting fields.
7. Demonstrate a problem-solving ability in biological science, and other supporting fields.
8. Show an adequate preparation for careers in biological sciences, or entrance into Graduate or Professional study.
9. Successfully demonstrate effective written and oral communication of biological concepts.
10. Participate in, and be evaluated on, community service activities, drawn from adequate and varied opportunities, to use discipline-related information in the service to the campus, local community, and/or regional surroundings.

This Program is tailored not only to students planning to enter the M.S. or Ph.D. Programs, but also for Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Medical, students. It also prepares students for an eventual career in biology-related fields (e.g. pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or food processing industries, medical laboratories, etc.).

Laboratory courses are offered in a modern, well-equipped, multidisciplinary teaching laboratory. Several research facilities are available to students with independent research interests, in addition to those in the department of biology. Professors are always available to work closely with the students during their independent research and field studies. Also, the labs offer students, and faculty, a convenient site for intensive instruction, or access to web-based, and other software, materials.

The department has prepared a three-year study plan. Students are advised to observe the three-year plan carefully, to avoid any undue delay in graduation. Based on the proposed plan, students should be able to graduate in three years, including two Summer modules, and to complete all the requirements, including 38 credits in Biology and Biochemistry.

Biology (35 credits)

Biology Elective (6 credits)

Choose two Biology Elective courses

Chemistry (13 credits)

Mathematics and Computer Science (7 credits)

Physics (8 credits)