Bachelor of Science in Biology

In addition to the general biology courses required in this major, the General Biology concentration offers advanced science courses that allow you to study biology at multiple scales. You’ll explore genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, plant biology, ecology, and evolution, gaining a broad understanding of the diversity of living organisms and their interactions within biological systems.

Students will learn to apply scientific hypotheses, perform data analysis, and design experiments that examine organismal structure, function, and development. The concentration prepares students for research or graduate study in the biological sciences, as well as for careers in education, biotechnology, or environmental science.

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

• Describe the organization, functions, and biochemical pathways required for life at the cellular level.
• Integrate the laws of chemistry and physics with the principles of cell biology.
• Relate the structures and functions of multicellular organisms with the maintenance of homeostasis.
• Apply the principles of genetics, heredity, and biological evolution.
• Describe and evaluate research methods in biology and interpret experimental data.

The Preprofessional Health Studies concentration focuses on biology and chemistry courses relevant to the health sciences. Students will study microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and organic chemistry, building a strong foundation in the natural sciences to prepare for admission to medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and other health professional schools.

This concentration emphasizes research methods, biological systems, and the scientific method as tools for solving problems in the healthcare and medical fields. Students planning to enter the health professions will gain knowledge of human cell biology, genetics, and the biochemical principles underlying the structure and function of the human body.

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

• Integrate the principles of genetics, heredity, and biological evolution.
• Describe the organization of the human body from the cellular level to organ systems.
• Relate the structures to the functions of the organs of the human body.
• Apply inorganic and organic chemistry to understand human physiology.
• Summarize the interactions and impact of microorganisms on human health.
• Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and scientific data analysis relevant to health science.

The Synthetic Biology concentration offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and engineering. Students will examine how to design and construct synthetic biological systems by combining biological components, genes, and proteins to create new or improved biological functions.

Through coursework in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and systems biology, students develop the computational and laboratory skills necessary for synthetic biology research. The program explores topics such as gene expression, genome editing, and the ethical implications of creating engineered organisms with new capabilities for applications in biotechnology, medicine, and environmental science.

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

• Describe the organization, functions, and biochemical pathways required for life at the molecular and cellular levels.
• Integrate the laws of chemistry with the principles of genetics, molecular biology, and systems engineering.
• Differentiate the strategies by which gene expression is regulated in natural and synthetic organisms.
• Explain genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques used in modern biological research.
• Discuss the practical applications and ethical considerations of synthetic biology in addressing challenges in medicine, biotechnology, and public health.