Biology
Concentrations in Ecology, General Biology, Human Biology (Pre-Physical Therapy), and Molecular and Cellular Biology
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 and to select a concentration in Ecology, General Biology, Human Biology, or Molecular and Cellular Biology. 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.
Entering students are encouraged to complete BIO 151-152 and CHM 151-152 by the end of the first year; senior-level competencies are measured through an internship performance and senior comprehensive examinations.
A minimum grade of C- is required in any course within the major courses (biology, chemistry, and physics) which serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.
Courses in which the minumum grade is not achieved may not be repeated more than once without permission of the department chair.
The Major
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major requirements: BIO 151-152 General Biology I & II, BIO 260 Microbiology, BIO 262 Genetics, BIO 300 Writing for Science, MA 181 Calculus I, CHM 151-152 Principles of Chemistry I & II, PHYS 171-172 General Physics I & II, and CHM 221-222 Organic Chemistry I & II.
- Concentration requirements—Ecology: BIO 311 Ecology; BIO 352 Integrated Advanced Environmental Lab; BIO 400 Internship; and BIO 410 Seminar; 10 additional credits of electives chosen from the following: BIO 222 Animal Behavior, BIO 250 General Botany, BIO 312 Physiological Ecology, BIO 313 Vertebrate Zoology, and CHM 351 Environmental Chemistry. No student can count both BIO 222 and BIO 250 toward the 10 credits.
- Concentration requirements—General Biology: Either BIO 368 Advanced Lab Research Methods or BIO 352 Integrated Advanced Environmental Lab, BIO 400 Internship, and BIO 410 Seminar. Choose a total of 14 credits from the following two areas. At least seven credits must come from each area. AREA 1: BIO 224 Endocrinology, BIO 272 Parasitology, BIO 361 Biochemistry, BIO 363 Cellular Biology, BIO 364 Immunology, BIO 366 Virology, BIO 369 Advanced Molecular Biology. No student can count both BIO 224 and BIO 272 toward the 14 credits. AREA 2: BIO 222 Animal Behavior, BIO 250 General Botany, BIO 311 Ecology, BIO 312 Physiological Ecology, BIO 313 Vertebrate Zoology, CHM 351 Environmental Chemistry. No student can count both BIO 222 and BIO 250 toward the 14 credits.
- Concentration requirements—Human Biology (Pre-Physical Therapy): BIO 161-162 Anatomy and Physiology I & II; BIO 363 Cellular Biology; BIO 368 Advanced Lab Research Methods; HPR 525 Advanced Exercise Physiology; PT 700 Clinical Neuroscience; PT 701 Applied Pathophysiology; PT 702 Health Care Delivery and Contemporary Society; PT 710 Gross Anatomy; and PT 711 Foundations of Physical Therapy Examination, Evaluation and Diagnosis; and PT 712 Critical Assessment of Information. Students enrolling in 700-level courses to fulfill the concentration's requirements in Human Biology must have completed prerequisite requirements for entry into the Physical Therapy program, and they must be admitted to the Physical Therapy program. (See admissions requirements for the program, page 175.)
- Concentration requirements—Molecular and Cellular Biology: BIO 363 Cellular Biology; BIO 368 Advanced Research Methods; BIO 400 Internship; BIO 410 Seminar; 10 additional credits of electives chosen from the following: BIO 224 Endocrinology, BIO 272 Parasitology, BIO 361 Biochemistry, BIO 364 Immunology, BIO 366 Animal Virology, or BIO 369 Advanced Molecular Biology.
Electives: to total 120 credits.
Teaching Licensure in Secondary Biology
Undergraduates seeking teaching licensure on the secondary level in Biology fulfill the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as 18 credits of professional studies. Students should consult their primary advisor in Biology for program requirements. A second advisor is also provided by the School of Education and Human Services. See the School of Education and Human Services for a complete description of the undergraduate teaching licensure programs and the admission process.
Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure including field experiences and student teaching. This program of studies allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in Biology and also be licensed to teach secondary Biology at the end of four years.
The Minor
Minor requirements: BIO 151-152 General Biology I & II and 16 additional credits in Biology courses numbered above 200.