Biology
Mission
The
biology curriculum prepares students for careers in modern science or medically
related fields. The core sequence provides students with a broad overview of
biological science, the diversity of organisms, cell and molecular biology, and
ecology and evolution. The core sequence is followed by advanced instruction in
each of the above areas in which students have several opportunities for hands-on
experience with modern research techniques. The selection of these advanced
courses can be tailored to meet the student’s individual career objectives.
Students will be required to complete a capstone research series where they
design a project, conduct research, and present their results. Students
graduating with a biology major will be well versed in the investigative
process of science. The mission of the department is to –
- Offer a curriculum with a broad
foundation in biology from molecules to ecosystems.
- Expose students to the breadth and
depth of the extraordinary diversity of life throughout the world.
- Provide students with mentored
undergraduate research experiences incorporating creative thought.
- Offer a curriculum supporting
professional and pre-professional programs within the framework of the biology
major, students may select from two degree programs – B.S. biology major or
B.A. biology major. In addition, students may opt to complete a certificate in
biotechnology.
Goals
The
goals of the biology program are that at the completion of their degree,
students will be able to:
- Understand the importance of
interrelationships of major biological concepts and be able to apply them in
appropriate situations.
- Understand the elements of the
scientific method and properly use these elements in their practice.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the
principles, operation, and problems of common laboratory procedures and
instrumentation.
- Design and implement experiments
independently, and analyze and present data to the faculty and peers in a
competent and professional manner.
- Through field experience and coursework
students should demonstrate an appreciation for the diversity of life, and an
understanding of the methods by which this diversity is formed, and how environmental
problems impact our world.
- Understand the complexity of ethical
issues surrounding science and the interrelatedness of science, technology, and
the world.
- Be aware of the variety of published
sources of scientific information and be able to access, understand, and apply
the information effectively.
Viterbo
University Degree in Three Program for Biology Majors
This
accelerated degree program provides an opportunity for outstanding, highly
motivated students to complete their bachelor’s degree in three years rather
than the traditional four. This program is available to students who wish to
major in biology. It is also possible to obtain a minor in chemistry or Spanish
while completing the biology degree in three program.
Policy
Students
majoring in biology must maintain a biology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25
to continue in and graduate from this program. The biology GPA is based on all
grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in biology and
required support courses. Any student whose biology GPA falls below 2.25 will
be placed on probation for one semester. If the biology GPA is not raised
during that semester, the student may not enroll in further biology courses. An
earned grade of a D or lower in any biology or support course will not be
credited toward the biology major.
Biology Major (Bachelor of Science)
- core curriculum and mission seminars – see
the core curriculum section of this catalog
- biology core – BIOL
160, 161, 250, 251, 397, 498, 499
- biology requirements – 15
credits from upper division biology courses* including one course from each of
the following areas; three upper division courses must include a lab –
- organismal
biology – BIOL 317, 347, 482
- cell
and molecular biology – BIOL 305 or 370, 371, 376, 430
- ecological
and evolutionary interactions with the environment – BIOL
310, 321, 340
- support courses – CHEM
120 and 121 and 240 or CHEM 120 and 121 and 140 and BIOL 305, MATH 112 or 113
or placement into calculus, MATH 230, PHYS 250 and 270 or 260 and 270
Students planning to attend medically
related schools may be required to take CHEM 340 and PHYS 251/271 or 261/271.
- final degree requirements – see
the degree requirements section of this catalog for specific requirements of
the Bachelor of Science degree as well as final graduation requirements
*BIOL 232 (Field
Experience in Biology) can count as part of the 15 credits for a maximum of
three credits.
The total credits of the
core, major and support course requirements are 56-62. The core curriculum and mission
seminars require 38-52 credits. A total of 128 credits, 43 of which need to be
at the 300/400 level, are required to graduate. Transfer course and waivers
and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.
Directed
research must be faculty-approved, but may be conducted at an institution other
than Viterbo University with prior approval. Special topics are offered
periodically. Credit for these courses may substitute for one or more of the
listed courses with faculty approval.
Biology, Early Adolescence through
Adolescence, Education Major (Bachelor of Science)
Students
intending to teach biology at the middle/secondary level must complete all of
the above requirements for the biology major (Bachelor of Science) and the
below education requirements. Education majors are required to take specific core
curriculum courses to satisfy DPI licensure requirements. The biology credits
must include BIOL 347, 376 and 430.
- Education Requirements – EDUC
150, 215, 255, 306, 316, 327, 330, 390, 459, 482
The total credits of the
core, major and support course requirements are 85-98. The core curriculum and
mission seminars require 38-52 credits. A total of 128 credits, 43 of which
need to be at the 300/400 level, are required to graduate. Transfer course and
waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.
See
the School of Education section for teacher education policy. Student teaching
is completed in the final semester.
Biology Minor
- A minimum of 15 credits of BIOL,
including BIOL 348 or 251 and a minimum of three additional upper division BIOL
credits
The total credits of the
minor requirements are 15. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions
could modify these credit totals.
Biology
minors must maintain a biology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 in biology
courses. Biopsychology majors may not earn a biology minor.
Biology, Early Adolescence through
Adolescence, Education Minor
See
the School of Education dean for certifiable minor requirements.
Broad Field Science, Early Adolescence
through Adolescence, Education Major
Students
interested in a broad field teaching license must complete the courses outlined
under the natural science major. See the dean of the School of Education for
more details.