Mar 28, 2024  
2021 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER-FALL) 
    
2021 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER-FALL) [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Biology (B.S.)- Hegis Code 0401


(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:

Understand the key principles and techniques of molecular biology and genetics, cell biology, organismal biology, and population biology, evolution, and ecology.  

Demonstrate the ability to conduct 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

Upper Level Biology Electives


  • Biology Elective Courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level* (7)
7 Credit Hours

Integrated Biological Experience


(select one course)

3 credit Hours

Total Biology Coursework: 51 credits


19 Credit Hours


Total Hours Required in Major: 70


Note:


Students must satisfactorily complete BIO 496- Biology Major Field Test on a designated date during the semester of graduation.

 

*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:


Students must submit their request to be considered for Honors in Biology to the Department Chair at least 6 weeks before degree conferral (see academic calendar.) In order to be considered, 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.The student must take BIO 450 in their junior or senior year and present their findings at the Student Conference for Research, Professional Activities, and Creative Arts or a similar venue.

2. 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 44 Credits
Major Related Course Requirements 19 Credits
Major Electives 7 Credits
College Electives 3-24 Credits
   
Total Credit Hours Required For Degree 128 Credits