Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, Traditional Track (B.A.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Beth Cantwell, Assistant 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


Biology Electives (Four Courses): 11-16


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

Maximum of 2 credits from the following courses:

Total 11-16 credits


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

Chemistry Elective (One Course with Lab): 4 credits


Must be at or above the 200-level

Total: 49-54 credits


Collateral Recommendation:


Note:


*BIO 491  and BIO 492  may only be used to fulfill one Biology elective requirement.

*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
  • Gen Ed, 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 Gen Ed, 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

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study