Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, Traditional Track (B.A.)


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Beth Cantwell, Associate Professor of Biology
Health and Life Sciences Building, Room 345, (540) 665-4802, ecantwel@su.edu

The Biology major offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to develop both fundamental and in-depth knowledge within the disciplines of the biological sciences. Students will participate in comprehensive, hands-on, laboratory-based activities that will promote the development of technical skills used in biological science investigations.

The Biology major allows students to pursue specialized interests in secondary Biology education, microbiology and clinical laboratory sciences, cell and molecular biology, and the health-related professions including medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy and other fields at the graduate level.

There are two degrees offered by the Department of Biology: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

The Bachelor of Arts degree provides a strong education in the biological sciences, requiring the same number of Biology courses, but fewer courses in Chemistry and none in Mathematics. This course of study is ideal for those who wish to pursue additional coursework in the social sciences or humanities, complete two minors, double major or complete their degree requirements in three years.

Courses Required for the B.A. in Biology


Total 34 credits


Biology Electives (Four Courses)


Take four courses from any non-core courses in the BIO offerings:

Two must be at or above the 200-level
Two must be at or above the 300-level

Only one of the four Biology elective courses required may be satisfied from the following list. In order to satisfy the single elective course requirement, students must earn at least 2 credits, either by completing a single course with two or more credits, or by completing two courses with one credit each.


Note: BIO 201 Medical Terminology Credit(s) 3 may not be used toward fulfillment of an elective requirement.
 

Total 11-16 credits


Chemistry Elective (One Course with Lab)


Must be at or above the 200-level

Total: 4 Credits

Total: 4 Credits


Program Total: 49-54 credits


Collateral Recommendation:


Note:


*SU Pharmacy only requires one semester of Physics, but programs at other universities require two. Physical Therapy programs require two semesters of Physics.

Course Map


This course map provides a general blueprint for students who plan to complete their degree in four years. There are many opportunities to customize this course of study to your goals and interests.

1st Year


Total: 29-33 credits


2nd Year


Total: 29-35 credits


3rd Year


  • Credit(s): 3 (Fall, if not already taken)
  • Credit(s): 4 (Fall)
  • Credit(s): 3 (Fall)
  • Biology elective 300-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
  • Chemistry elective 200-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
  • ShenEd, second major, minor and professional school prerequisite courses or general electives Credit(s): 12-15

Total: 28-33 credits


4th Year


  • Credit(s): 4 (Fall, if not already taken)
  • Credit(s): 3 (Fall, if not already taken)
  • Credit(s): 4 (Fall or Spring)
  • Biology elective 300-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
  • Remaining ShenEd, second major, minor and professional school prerequisite courses or general electives Credit(s): variable

Total: Variable


Requirement for Graduation: at least 120 credits


A 2.0 GPA in major and minor courses is required for graduation.
24 of a student’s last 30 credits must be earned at SU to earn a degree

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