Biology, Molecular Biotechnology Specialization, B.S.

Biology

Department Chairperson- Dr. Penny O’Connor

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 with additional proficiency related to their chosen specialization;
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 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.

A combined score of 900 on the Math and Critical Reading on the 2005 SAT or 980 on the 2016 SAT or a 19 on the ACT. Any required Educational Enrichment courses per the results of SAT or ACT testing must be completed with a “C” or better prior to achieving sophomore status. Please refer to the Educational Enrichment section found elsewhere in this catalog.

Core Course Requirements

Major Course Requirements

• BL 101 - Biology I: Molecular and Cellular Biology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits (satisfies core requirement)
• BL 102 - Biology II: Evolution and Ecology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• BL 103 - Biology III: Organismal Anatomy and Physiology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits

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• BL 401 - Seminar in the Sciences 3 Credits (satisfies core requirement)

• or

• SC 401 - Seminar in the Sciences 3 Credits (satisfies core requirement)

Molecular Biotechnology Specialization

Other Required Coursework

• CH 101 - Chemistry I 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• CH 102 - Chemistry II 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• CH 301 - Organic Chemistry I 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• CH 302 - Organic Chemistry II 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• MATH 220 - Introduction to Statistics 3 Credits
• MATH 305 - Statistical Research 3 Credits
• PHYS 105 - Physics I 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• PHYS 106 - Physics II 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits

Total Credits for Free Electives: 7-11 Credits

Total Credits for Degree: 120 Credits