Biology, B.A.

Biology

Department Chairperson- Dr. John Whitlock

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:

1. Scientific Method - Students will be able to effectively define and use the scientific method to answer biological questions;
2. 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;
3. Core Biological Knowledge - Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of core biological subjects;
4. 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
5. 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.

Bachelor Degree CORE Requirements: 35-36 Credits

Major Course Requirements: 37.5 Credits

• BIOL 101 - Biology I: Molecular and Cellular Biology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• BIOL 102 - Biology II: Evolution and Ecology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• BIOL 103 - Biology III: Organismal Anatomy and Physiology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• BIOL 190 - Biology Seminar I: How to be Successful in the Sciences 0.5 Credits
• BIOL 191 - Biology Seminar II: Teamwork and Career Exploration 0.5 Credits
• BIOL 290 - Biology Seminar III: Primary Literature Analysis 0.5 Credits
• BIOL 291 - Biology Seminar IV: Project Development 0.5 Credits
• BIOL 390 - Biology Seminar V: Research Techniques and Mentoring 0.5 Credits
• BIOL 391 - Biology Seminar VI: Research Ethics & Careers 0.5 Credits
• BIOL 490 - Biology Seminar VII: Science Communication 0.5 Credits
• BIOL 491 - Biology Seminar VIII: Capstone 3 Credits
• Biology 100/200-level Elective   8 Credits
• Biology 300/400-level Elective   8 Credits
• MATH 220 - Introduction to Statistics 3 Credits

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  Note: (Major Course Requirements include 3 credits in Gen. Ed.)

Other Required Coursework: 32 Credits

• Choose ONE Course:

• CHEM 100 - General Chemistry 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• CHEM 101 - Chemistry I 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• CHEM 102 - Chemistry II 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits

• Choose ONE Course:

• CHEM 210 - Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• CHEM 301 - Organic Chemistry I 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits

• Choose ONE Course:

• PHYS 103 - Applied Physics 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• PHYS 105 - Physics I 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits

• Choose ONE Course:

• MATH 113 - Pre-calculus 3 Credits
• MATH 117 - Calculus I 4 Credits
• Science 100/200-level Elective*    3 Credits
• Science 300/400-level Elective*  10 Credits

*Science Electives can be selected from the courses in the following disciplines: ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, GEOL, MATH, NASC, or PHYS.

Total Free Electives: 15.5 Credits

Total Credits for Biology Degree: 120.5 Credits

Waiver for BIOL 109, BIOL 191, BIOL 290, & BIOL 291

A student entering the major with 60 earned credits or ore may be granted a waiver for BIOL 190, BIOL 191, BIOL 290, and BIOL 291, but will need an additional two credits of electives in Biology.