Biology Major (B.S.)

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The biology major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree is a holistic and flexible option for students interested in medical, veterinary, and dental schools, graduate school, or jobs in a variety of disciplines, including biotechnology, environmental science and sustainability, marine science, zoology, botany, and human biology. The Bachelor of Science degree is the standard option for biology students and requires 39 credits of biology: 19 credits of specified courses, one 4 credit upper level plant or ecology course, and 24 credits of biology electives (including up to eight credits of introductory physics courses). Six support courses in chemistry and math are also required. Majors normally take an introductory core of eight courses in the sequence listed below, plus a senior seminar.

Requirements

BIO 100 - First Year Seminar (1)
BIO 105 - Cell Structure and Function (2)
BIO 106 - Genetics and Development (2)
BIO 107 - Organismal Form and Function (2)
BIO 108 - Ecology and Evolution (2)
BIO 255 - Science and Faith (2)
BIO 260 - Introduction to Scientific Research (2)
BIO 316 - Modern Genetics (4)
BIO 491 - Senior Seminar: Topics in Biology (2)

Required Support Courses

The following science and mathematics support courses are also required of all Bachelor of Science biology majors:

CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I (4)
CHE 112 - Principles of Chemistry II (4)
CHE 211 - Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHE 212 - Organic Chemistry II (4)
MAT 220 - Biostatistics (4)
MAT 111 - Introduction to Applied Calculus (4) or
MAT 121 - Calculus I
or AP Calculus (score of 4 or 5)

Plant or Ecology Course Requirement

One upper-level plant or ecology course is required. Choose from the courses below or an approved course from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, the Creation Care Studies Program, or another off-campus program.

BIO 309 - Medicinal Botany (4)
BIO 310 - Ecology (4)
BIO 440 - Landscape Ecology & GIS (2 or 4)

Electives

In addition, majors choose from one of the concentrations below while adhering to these course/credit requirements:

24 additional credits of biology courses are required
At least eight credits must be upper level biology electives
Introductory Physics I & II courses may apply as lower level major electives
No more than two courses (four credits) of Advanced Human Anatomy courses will apply to the major (BIO/KIN 410 , BIO/KIN 411 , BIO/KIN 412 , BIO/KIN 413 , BIO/KIN 414 )

Biology Concentrations

Professional (default):

Provides flexibility in course selection for students with a holistic interest in biology.

Biotechnology:

Recommended for those who want experience in biotechnology and want to be prepared for the business world as well as research.

Ecology & Conservation:

Human Biology:

Marine Biology:

Leverage Gordon’s location on the coast as well as take advantage of collaborations with Wood’s Hole, Marine Studies Consortium, and Au Sable Institute.

Educator Licensure - Biology

Students interested in teaching biology should consult the program chairs of biology and education for specific course requirements. The Bachelor of Arts in biology is recommended.