Biology (B.S.): General Biology Concentration - J

Program Description

This program focuses on the core sub-disciplines of biology, including molecular and cellular biology, organismal biology, ecology and evolution. Students explore the world in the field and in laboratory, working side by side with professors and peers conducting research and benefiting from advanced learning opportunities typically reserved for graduate-level students. Students graduate with a B.S. in Biology concentrating in General Biology. Graduates who also successfully complete the required education courses for secondary licensure become candidates for a license to teach science in grades 7-12.

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate basic knowledge: Students will define and explain the major concepts in the biological sciences; for example, the relationship between structure and function at all levels of organization.
Apply the scientific method: Students will incorporate the major steps in the scientific method to design and carry out research studies and to test hypotheses.
Communicate in Science: a) Students will communicate at a scientific level in writing and b) Students will communicate at a scientific level in oral presentations.
Develop technical skills: Students will practice proper usage of scientific instrumentation and will improve techniques both in the laboratory and in the natural environment.
Apply quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning: Students will apply quantitative analysis to interpret biological data.
Read and analyze scientific information: Students will read, understand, and incorporate scientific literature in their writing.
Discuss the relationships between science and society: Students will integrate current biological evidence into discussion of global challenges.

Biology Programs at NVU-Johnson

The study of biology serves all college majors and professionals by preparing them to understand and deal with the many biological concepts, issues and problems in their fields. Our program is designed to introduce the core sub-disciplines of biology and to offer advanced studies in organismal, human, molecular and environmental biology. Microbiologists, physiologists, zoologists, molecular biologists, field naturalists, ecologists, marine biologists, agricultural scientists, foresters, wildlife managers, physicians, therapists, nutritionists, toxicologists, science writers and teachers are a sample of the professionals who commonly begin as biology majors.

Students in the biology program explore outdoor laboratories ranging from the College’s Babcock Nature Preserve to areas as diverse as tropical ecosystems and the American west. On campus, our program is supported by teaching laboratories, a greenhouse, an artificial stream laboratory, a cellular and molecular laboratory, and extensive herbarium and vertebrate museum collections.

The research activities of the faculty include understanding cell behavior at the molecular level, classification of plants, improving teaching in biology, vertebrate ecology and studying environmental pollution.

The B.S. in Biology is designed for students who desire a comprehensive training in the life sciences leading to areas in education, research or medicine. As noted above, graduates who also complete the required education courses for secondary licensure become candidates for a license to teach science in grades 7-12.

Biology Core Curriculum (42 credits)

BIO 1211 - Introduction to Biology: Ecology and Evolution Credit(s): 4
BIO 1212 - Introduction to Biology: Cells and Genetic Basis Credit(s): 4 *
CHE 1031 - General Chemistry I Credit(s): 4 *
CHE 1032 - General Chemistry II Credit(s): 4 *
CHE 3111 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 4 *
CHE 3112 - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 4 *
SCI 2220 - Current Topics in Science Credit(s): 1 (Students are required to complete 3 semesters of SCI-2220.)
MAT 1531 - Calculus I Credit(s): 4 *
PHY 2031 - Fundamental Physics I Credit(s): 4
PHY 2032 - Fundamental Physics II Credit(s): 4
BIO 4810 - Internship in Biology Credit(s): 1-12 OR
BIO 4920 - Senior Thesis Credit(s): 3

General Biology Concentration

Required Concentration Courses (8 credits)

BIO 2340 - Fundamentals of Ecology Credit(s): 4
BIO 3220 - Genetics Credit(s): 4

Electives (choose at least 1 from each set):

Total: 64-66 credits

* These courses also fulfill requirements in the Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Outdoor Education and Wellness & Alternative Medicine programs.

+ These courses also fulfill the General Education Curriculum requirements.

Secondary Teaching License in Science

Students pursuing licensure endorsement to teach science in grades 7-12 must successfully complete one of the approved majors for this endorsement (the Biology: Field Naturalist (B.A.) - J , Biology (B.S.): Pre-Medical Concentration - J , Health Sciences (B.S.): Health & Wellness Coaching Concentration - J , Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Analysis & Assessment concentration - J , or Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Policy & Advocacy concentration - J ), as well as specific teacher-education coursework and requirements. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher Licensure Program - J section for details.

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

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