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BIOLOGY AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Biology (B.S.)
Biology with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Biology)
Biology (Minor)
Physical Science (Minor)

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.

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.

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.

Pre-Med Degree Planning: 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 have and maintain a cumulative Marymount University GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Degree Requirements

Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements: See details here.

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.

All majors also complete coursework in a chosen track as follows

General Biology track

Molecular and Cellular Biology track Students intending to seek admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program should add the following courses: Pre-Med track

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.

Degree Requirements

Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements: See details here.

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.

All majors seeking teaching licensure will complete their studies with coursework in a chosen track as follows:

General Biology track

Molecular and Cellular Biology track

Biology (Minor)

Minor Requirements

Physical Science (Minor)

Minor Requirements