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

Biology, Advanced Track (B.A.)


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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 is appropriate for students who have been pre-admitted to a health professions graduate program or for those who wish to apply for admission to a health profession graduate program following three years of undergraduate study. In order to earn your B.A. in Biology, you must complete all requirements (General Education, College of Arts & Sciences foreign language, the B.A. in Biology and a minor or second major) in three years. Many students opt to fulfill some of their general education requirements during summer semesters. For pre-admit students, minimum GPA and other professional program prerequisite requirements must be met. Courses from the first year of graduate school count as upper-level electives toward the total 120 hours required for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree. To earn your degree from SU, 24 of the last 30 credit hours earned must be taken at SU. This course map may be customized to meet your individual needs; however, the accelerated timeline leaves lees room for flexibility. Therefore, it is important to discuss you goals with your advisor early in your academic career.

1st Year


Total: 31-35 credits


2nd Year


  • Credit(s): 4 (Spring)
  • Credit(s): 3 (Spring)
  • Biology electives 200-level or higher Credit(s): 5-8
  • Biology elective 300-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
  • Chemistry elective 200-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
  • FL 201/202 Foreign Language Credit(s): 3-6 (Arts and Sciences requirement)
  • Gen Ed, second major, minor and professional school prerequisite courses or general electives Credit(s): 6

Total: 27-35 credits


3rd Year


  • Credit(s): 4 (Fall)
  • Credit(s): 3 (Fall)
  • Credit(s): 4 (Fall or Spring)
  • Biology elective 300-level or higher Credit(s): 3-4
  • Remaining Gen Ed, second major, minor and professional prerequisite courses or general electives Credit(s): 18-21

Total: 32-36 credits


4th Year


  • Upper-level electives earned in professional school 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 the student’s last 30 credits must be earned at SU to earn a degree

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