Marymount University
Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13
Biology and Physical Sciences
Biology (B.S.)
Study in the biological sciences responds to the increasing demand for scientific expertise in a variety of professional settings, including industry and law.
The program permits students to build on a common foundation of introductory courses in biology and chemistry. It provides preparation for advanced studies in biology and health-related professional fields, or for entry into a variety of areas within the biotechnology industries.
Upon successful completion of the Biology program, students will be able to
- propose and develop a research thesis topic and interpret primary research;
- in a professional setting, demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge gained from the major; and
- demonstrate a breadth of content knowledge in the field of biology.
Students in this major will choose a track in General Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or Pre-Med.
Students in the Pre-Med track have additional specific requirements, which follow. These students will be assisted with MCAT preparation in their junior and/or senior year, if they choose. These students will also have a Pre-Med primary advisor to ensure that all medical school questions are answered and that proper progress is being made toward completion of the Pre-Med designated curriculum. The Pre-Med advisor will also assist students in choosing medical schools and advocating on behalf of students for a selection of medical schools.
Students who wish to prepare for admission to Marymount’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program should choose the Molecular and Cellular Biology track and supplement the track with four additional courses, as noted under that track. See also the Sample Degree Plan.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C- is required in any course within the major courses (biology, chemistry, and physics) that serve as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course. Courses in which the minimum grade is not achieved may not be repeated more than once without permission of the Biology and Physical Sciences department chair.
Pre-Med Admission Requirements: The Pre-Med track is reserved for students who have and will maintain a high academic standard. The Pre-Med designation will be available to entering freshmen who have a minimum high school GPA of 3.6. Students who are accepted into Marymount University, but do not initially meet the requirements for entry into the Pre-Med track can apply for entry any time after completing one semester at Marymount University with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Pre-Med Degree Planning: A sample degree plan is offered. Students intending to seek admission to medical school immediately following graduation should work closely with an advisor to develop their course schedules, with Chemistry, Physics, and most Biology coursework completed by the senior year. If such a plan is not followed, the student in this track will be advised to take the MCAT after graduation and delay his/her application to medical school for one year.
Pre-Med Minimum Grade Requirements: Students will earn the Pre-Med designation if they maintain a cumulative Marymount University GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Biology Degree Requirements
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.
BIO 151 General Biology I
BIO 152 General Biology II
BIO 260 Microbiology
BIO 262 Genetics
BIO 300 Writing for Science
BIO 400 Internship
BIO 410 Senior Seminar
CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I
CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II
MA 171 Calculus with Precalculus A and MA 172 Calculus with Precalculus B or MA 181 Calculus I
PHYS 171 Physics I
PHYS 172 Physics II
All majors also complete coursework in a chosen track as follows:
General Biology track
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods
At least 7 credits from Area I courses and both Area II courses
Area I: BIO 224 Endocrinology, BIO 272 Parasitology, BIO 327 Marine Biology and Tropical Ecology, BIO 363 Cellular Biology, BIO 441 Biochemistry, BIO 444 Immunology, BIO 446 Virology, BIO 449 Advanced Molecular Biology
Area II: BIO 250 General Botany, BIO 312 Physiological Ecology
Molecular and Cellular Biology track
BIO 363 Cellular Biology
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods
10 credits from the following: BIO 224 Endocrinology, BIO 272 Parasitology, BIO 327 Marine Biology and Tropical Ecology, BIO 441 Biochemistry, BIO 444 Immunology, BIO 446 Virology, BIO 449 Advanced Molecular Biology
Students intending to seek admission to Marymount’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program should add the following courses:
BIO 161 Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 162 Anatomy and Physiology II
MA 132 Statistical Analysis
PSY 110 Human Growth and Development
Pre-Med track
BIO 363 Cellular Biology
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods
BIO 441 Biochemistry
MA 132 Statistical Analysis
7 credits from the following: BIO 224 Endocrinology, BIO 272 Parasitology, BIO 327 Marine Biology and Tropical Ecology, BIO 444 Immunology, BIO 446 Virology, BIO 449 Advanced Molecular Biology
Sample Degree Plan — Biology
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections. This plan will differ for students who wish to pursue the Pre-Med track or follow a pre-Physical Therapy course of study through the Molecular and Cellular Biology track.
Year One — Fall
BIO 151 General Biology I (NS core course) § *
MA 181 Calculus I (MT core course) § *
EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*
DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*
Year One — Spring
BIO 152 General Biology II §
EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*
Introductory History (HI-1) core course*
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*
TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*
Year Two — Fall
BIO 260 Microbiology §
BIO 300 Writing for Science § *
CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I (NS core course) § *
Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*
Year Two — Spring
BIO 262 Genetics §
CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II §
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*
Year Three — Fall
BIO 363 Cellular Biology §
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods §
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I §
Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*
Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course*
Year Three — Spring
Two (2) Biology track courses § **
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II §
Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*
Elective
Year Four — Fall
Biology track course § **
BIO 400 Internship § *
BIO 410 Senior Seminar § *
PHYS 171 General Physics I §
Year Four — Spring
Biology track course § **
PHYS 172 General Physics II §
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Elective
§ Requirement for the major
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.
** See Major Requirements for course selections
Sample Degree Plan — Biology (Pre-Med Track)
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One — Fall
BIO 151 General Biology I (NS core course) § *
CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I (NS core
course) § *
MA 181 Calculus I (MT core course) § *
EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*
DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*
Year One — Spring
BIO 152 General Biology II §
CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II §
MA 132 Statistical Analysis §
EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*
Year Two — Fall
BIO 260 Microbiology §
BIO 300 Writing for Science § *
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I §
Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*
Year Two — Spring
BIO 262 Genetics §
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II §
PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*
TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*
Year Three — Fall
BIO 363 Cellular Biology §
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods §
PHYS 171 General Physics I §
Introductory History (HI-1) core course*
Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*
Year Three — Spring
Biology track course § **
PHYS 172 General Physics II §
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*
Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*
Year Four — Fall
Biology track course § **
BIO 410 Senior Seminar § *
BIO 441 Biochemistry §
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course*
Year Four — Spring
BIO 400 Internship § *
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Two (2) electives
§ Requirement for the major
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.
** See Major Requirements for course selections
Sample Degree Plan — Biology (Molecular and Cellular Biology track with Pre-PT coursework)
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One — Fall
BIO 151 General Biology I (NS core course) § *
MA 181 Calculus I (MT core course) § *
EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*
DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*
Year One — Spring
BIO 152 General Biology II §
MA 132 Statistical Analysis §
PSY 110 Human Growth and Development (SS-1 core course) § *
EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*
Introductory History (HI-1) core course*
Year Two — Fall
BIO 161 Anatomy and Physiology I §
BIO 260 Microbiology §
BIO 300 Writing for Science § *
CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I (NS core course) § *
TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*
Year Two — Spring
BIO 162 Anatomy and Physiology II §
BIO 262 Genetics §
CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II §
Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*
Year Three — Fall
BIO 363 Cellular Biology §
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods §
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I §
Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*
Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course*
Year Three — Spring
Two (2) Biology track courses § **
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II §
Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*
Elective
Year Four — Fall
Biology track course § **
BIO 400 Internship § *
BIO 410 Senior Seminar § *
PHYS 171 General Physics I §
Year Four — Spring
Biology track course § **
PHYS 172 General Physics II §
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Elective
§ Requirement for the major
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.
** See Major Requirements for course selections
Biology with Secondary-level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Biology)
This program of study allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in Biology and also be licensed to teach secondary Biology at the end of four years. Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure, including field experiences and student teaching.
Admission Requirements: Students in this program must seek admission to the teacher licensure program and apply for student teaching. See Education section for admission requirements and procedures.
Degree Planning: Students in this program must take courses as specified to ensure fulfillment of state licensure requirements. In addition to working with a Biology advisor, students should see an Education advisor in the School of Education and Human Services for further assistance in degree planning.
Also, course rotations vary and not every course is available each semester. Course rotations are specified in the Course Description section of this catalog. Individual advising is important to ensure meeting all major and teaching licensure requirements.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is needed in all Professional Studies courses required for licensure.
Degree Requirements
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements. Some coursework fulfills teaching licensure requirements as specified by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
BIO 151 General Biology I
BIO 152 General Biology II
BIO 260 Microbiology
BIO 262 Genetics
BIO 300 Writing for Science
BIO 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Biology
BIO 410 Senior Seminar
CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I
CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II
ED 250 Introduction to Teaching and Learning
ED 327S Curriculum Design: Secondary Education
ED 337 Reading in the Content Areas
ED 452 Managing the Classroom #
ED 460S Student Teaching: Secondary Level #
GEOL 102 Principles of Geology
MA 171 Calculus with Precalculus A and MA 172 Calculus with Precalculus B or MA 181 Calculus I
PHYS 171 Physics I
PHYS 172 Physics II
PSY 110 Human Growth and Development
PSY 341 Psychology of Individuals with Disabilities
All majors seeking teaching licensure will complete their studies with coursework in a chosen track as follows:
General Biology track
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods
At least 7 credits from Area I courses and both Area II courses
Area I: BIO 224 Endocrinology, BIO 272 Parasitology, BIO 327 Marine Biology and Tropical Ecology, BIO 363 Cellular Biology, BIO 441 Biochemistry, BIO 444 Immunology, BIO 446 Animal Virology, BIO 449 Advanced Molecular Biology
Area II: BIO 250 General Botany, BIO 312 Physiological Ecology
Molecular and Cellular Biology track
BIO 363 Cellular Biology
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods
10 credits from the following: BIO 224 Endocrinology, BIO 272 Parasitology, BIO 327 Marine Biology and Tropical Ecology, BIO 441 Biochemistry, BIO 444 Immunology, BIO 446 Animal Virology, BIO 449 Advanced Molecular Biology
# ED 452 and ED 460S must be taken at the same time.
Sample Degree Plan — Biology with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections. This sample plan is based on the Molecular and Cellular Biology track and will differ for students in other tracks.
Year One — Fall
BIO 151 General Biology I (NS core course) § *
MA 181 Calculus I (MT core course) § *
EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*
PSY 110 Human Growth and Development (SS-1 core course) § *
DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*
Year One — Spring
BIO 152 General Biology II §
EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*
Introductory History (HI-1) core course*
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*
TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*
Year Two — Fall
BIO 260 Microbiology §
BIO 300 Writing for Science § *
CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I (NS core
course) § *
PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*
Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*
Year Two — Spring
BIO 262 Genetics §
CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II §
ED 250 Introduction to Teaching and Learning §
GEOL 102 Principles of Geology §
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Year Three — Fall
BIO 363 Cellular Biology §
BIO 368 Advanced Laboratory Research Methods §
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I §
ED 327S Curriculum Design: Secondary Education §
Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*
Year Three — Spring
Biology track course § **
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II §
ED 337 Reading in the Content Areas §
PSY 341 Psychology of Individuals with Disabilities (SS-2 core course) § *
Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*
Year Four — Fall
Biology track course § **
BIO 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Biology §
BIO 410 Senior Seminar § *
PHYS 171 General Physics I §
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Year Four — Spring
Biology track course § **
ED 460S Student Teaching § *
ED 452 Managing the Classroom §
PHYS 172 General Physics II §
§ Requirement for the major and/or teaching licensure
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.
** See Major Requirements for course selections.
Biology (Minor)
Minor Requirements
BIO 151-152 General Biology I and II
16 additional credits in BIO courses numbered above 200
Physical Science (Minor)
Minor Requirements
BIO 151-152 General Biology I and II
CHM 151-152 Principles of Chemistry I and II or PHYS 171-172 General Physics I and II
12 additional credits from BIO or CHM courses numbered above 200
Catalog Contents
Academic Information and Policies
Credit Acquisition Opportunities
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Student Academic Policies
Students Pursuing a Double Major or Dual Degrees
Students Enrolled in Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs
University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core
Undergraduate Pre-professional Studies
Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Catalog Links