Biology
Department Chairperson- Dr. J. Michael Engle
The Biology major at Mount Aloysius College prepares students to enter careers in biology or to pursue graduate or professional education with a foundation in the liberal arts. The goals of the program include:
- Scientific Method - Students will be able to effectively define and use the scientific method to answer biological questions;
- Reasoning and Analysis - Students will be able to critically analyze scientific data and its interpretation both in the literature and in their own experimental work;
- Core Biological Knowledge - Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of core biological subjects;
- Research Skills - Students will be able to identify and utilize appropriate resources for both primary and secondary research. In addition, students will be able to identify and utilize the appropriate experimental design, methodology, and equipment to conduct field and laboratory research in an ethically sound manner; and
- Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate respectful communication and collaboration within groups to function cooperatively in a team setting. In addition, students willl be able to organize and express scientific knowledge and their own ideas clearly and coherently both in written and oral formats.
Requirements for Admission
Completion of high school coursework in biology, chemistry, and algebra with a “C” or better.
Some articulation programs require a specific SAT score for early admission. Students interested in such programs should contact the department chair for more information on the program they seek to pursue.
Secondary Education Certification Program Option
Coordinator: Dr. Julie Smith
Any student interested in teacher certification in this field should refer to the Secondary Education portion of this catalog. Secondary Education Certification in this discipline has its own separate course requirements for the completion of the major and certification. It is advised that any interested student make an appointment with the Secondary Education coordinator.
Early Acceptance Program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Coordinator: Dr. Merrilee Anderson
”3+ or 4+” Early Acceptance Program in LECOM’s School of Pharmacy - Doctor of Pharmacy Degree
Under a joint agreement between the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Mount Aloysius College, undergraduate students who have successfully completed specific core course requirements at Mount Aloysius College may continue their education in medicine at LECOM in this program of study. The program is comprised of two phases: phase I consists of the first three or four years of undergraduate education at Mount Aloysius College; Phase II consists of the remaining three years of pharmacy school education at LECOM’s Erie Campus or four years at the Bradenton, Florida campus.
Mount Aloysius College will confer a Bachelor of Science: Biology degree to students in the 4+4 option and a Bachelor of Science: Professional Studies - Health Studies degree to students in the 3+4 option, upon successful completion of the first year of LECOM’s academic curriculum.
Students will be admitted to the Mount Aloysius Phase (Phase I) of the program based upon the following criteria:
- SAT/ACT Scores: SAT ≥1170 on the 2005 SAT or 1240 on the 2016 SAT (Math + Verbal) or ACT score 26
- High School GPA: 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
Students currently enrolled at Mount Aloysius College who do not meet the criteria listed above, but have completed at least one year of study at Mount Aloysius College and meet the science and overall GPA criteria listed below and all other Mount Aloysius College academic policies while pursuing his or her degree at the time of application to the program are eligible for enrollment.
- Cumulative GPA of > 3..4*
- Cumulative Science GPA of >3.4*
- Provide Writing Sample
- Background check (including drug and alcohol screening) as described by LECOM
- Meet and agree to LECOM’s Health and Technical Standards
- Taking of the PCAT is optional.
*As of February 1st of the year of matriculation or provide proof that these are achievable by the end of the spring term.
NOTE: For students enrolled in 3+ programs, courses from LECOM must be transferred back for the senior year equivalent.
“4+4 or 3+4” Early Acceptance Program in LECOM’s College of Medicine - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree
Under a joint agreement between the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Mount Aloysius College, undergraduate students who have successfully completed specific core course requirements at Mount Aloysius College may continue their education in medicine at LECOM in this program of study. The program is comprised of two phases: phase I consists of the first three or four years of undergraduate education at Mount Aloysius College; Phase II consists of the remaining four years of medical school education at LECOM’s Erie Campus or four years at the Bradenton, Florida campus.
Mount Aloysius College will confer a Bachelor of Science: Biology degree to students in the 4+4 option and a Bachelor of Science: Professional Studies - Health Studies degree to students in the 3+4 option, upon successful completion of the first year of LECOM’s academic curriculum.
Students will be admitted to the Mount Aloysius Phase (Phase I) of the program based upon the following criteria:
SAT/ACT Scores: SAT ≥1170 on the 2005 SAT or 1240 on the 2016 SAT (Math + Verbal) or ACT score 26;
High School GPA: 3.5 on a scale of 4.0;
Students currently enrolled at Mount Aloysius College who do not meet the criteria listed above, but have completed at least one year of study at Mount Aloysius College and meet the science and overall GPA criteria listed below and all other Mount Aloysius College academic policies while pursuing his or her degree at the time of application to the program are eligible for enrollment;
Cumulative GPA of > 3.4*;
Cumulative Science GPA of >3.2*;
MCAT (no lower than 7 in any category) of >25;
Background check (including drug and alcohol screening) as described by LECOM; and
Meet and agree to LECOM’s Health and Technical Standards.
*As of February 1st of the year of matriculation or provide proof that these are achievable by the end of the spring term
NOTE: For students enrolled in 3+ programs, courses from LECOM must be transferred back for the senior year equivalent.
“4+4” Early Acceptance Program in LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine - Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree
Under a joint agreement between the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Mount Aloysius College, undergraduate students who have successfully completed specific core course requirements at Mount Aloysius College may continue their education in medicine at LECOM in this program of study. The program is comprised of two phases: phase I consists of the four years of undergraduate education at Mount Aloysius College; Phase II consists of the remaining four years of dental school education at LECOM. Mount Aloysius College will confer a Bachelor of Science: Biology degree to students in this 4+4 program.
Students will be admitted to the Mount Aloysius Phase (Phase I) of the program based upon the following criteria:
SAT/ACT Scores: SAT ≥1170 on the 2005 SAT or 1240 on the 2016 SAT (Math + Verbal) or ACT score 26; and
High School GPA: 3.5 on a scale of 4.0.
Students currently enrolled at Mount Aloysius College who do not meet the criteria listed above, but have completed at least one year of study at Mount Aloysius College and meet the science and overall GPA criteria listed below and all other Mount Aloysius College academic policies while pursuing his or her degree at the time of application to the program are eligible for enrollment.
Cumulative GPA of > 3.4*
Cumulative Science GPA of >3.2*
DAT Typically >16
Shadowing (~100 hours) in a clinical dental setting is highly recommended
Background check (including drug and alcohol screening) as described by LECOM
Meet and agree to LECOM’s Health and Technical Standards
Taking of the PCAT is optional.
*As of February 1st of the year of matriculation or provide proof that these are achievable by the end of the spring term.
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