Mar 19, 2024  
2018 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER - SPRING) 
    
2018 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER - SPRING) [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Biology (B.S.)- Hegis Code 0401


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(Bachelor of Science Degree)*

Science is the process of creating new knowledge concerning the natural world. The Biology Department at Utica College engages students in active research as the primary method of learning biology as a science. We provide a thorough and diverse education in biological principles and techniques of biological inquiry. Students experience relevant and exciting challenges in their pursuit of successful and rewarding careers. Our distinctive, active learning approach promotes scholarship, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning.

Total credit hours required for degree: 128

Learning Objectives

Successful graduates from this program will:

Demonstrate an understanding of general principles of biology, including biological structure and processes at the following levels:

  • molecular;
  • cellular;
  • tissue;
  • organ and organ system;
  • organism;
  • population;
  • community;
  • ecosystem;
  • biome.

Demonstrate proficiency in biological research and technical skills, including:

  • microscopy;
  • molecular techniques;
  • basic biochemical analyses;
  • dissection;
  • computer use;
  • field techniques.

Demonstrate an understanding of the process of scientific research, including:

  • critical analysis and use of the biological primary literature;
  • experimental design;
  • statistical analysis;
  • graphical presentation of data;
  • oral scientific presentation;
  • written scientific paper.

Academic Requirements


See Core  section of this catalog.

Core: 34 - 55 Credit Hours


Major Course Requirements


14 Credit Hours

Foundations of Biology


(five courses)

Upper Level Biology Electives


  • Biology Elective Courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level* (11)
11 Credit Hours

3 credit Hours

Total Biology Coursework: 47-48


19 Credit Hours


Total Hours Required in Major: 66-67


Note:


*Students will be required to earn a grade of C or better in BIO 211  before enrolling in any subsequent Biology courses that are required for the Biology major.

Electives


The student must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum credits hours for this degree and at least 64 credits of the 128 required must be in the liberal arts and sciences.

Areas of Emphasis


Biology majors, with their advisers, can tailor the curriculum to help prepare themselves for their future goals, for example:

Pre-professional and Academic: This emphasis should satisfy the needs of students intending to apply to professional or graduate schools and should include Organic Chemistry (CHE 331  and CHE 332 ), Calculus (MAT 201 ), and two semesters of a foreign language.

Educational: This concentration encourages those students intending to be secondary or elementary school teachers to meet state certification requirements in areas in addition to biology (i.e. earth science and general science). Students take education and science courses in areas where certification is desired.

General: This emphasis adds flexibility through sampling courses outside the field of biology. Students take six hours of non-biological science courses.

Biology Honors:


In order to be considered for Honors in Biology, the following requirements must be satisfied.

  1. The student must have Biology GPA of at least 3.4 in all Biology courses taken at Utica College and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
  2. The student must take BIO 450  in their junior or senior year and present their findings at the Annual Undergraduate Research Conference.
  3. The Biology Faculty will evaluate the student’s credentials and then select those who shall receive Honors. The student’s participation in departmental activities will also be considered.

For those students selected, the transcript will read Bachelor of Science with Honors in Biology.

Program Credits


Core 34-55 Credits
Major Course Requirements 19-20 Credits
Major Related Course Requirements 19 Credits
Major Electives 11 Credits
College Electives 23-45 Credits
   
Total Credit Hours Required For Degree 128 Credits

 

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