Study the science of life, prepare for a career in the biological sciences.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Stevenson’s Bachelor of Science in Biology will give you a strong foundation in all areas of biology, from the molecular basis of life to the interactions of living systems within and among organisms. In addition to core courses that build a broad background in the life sciences, you will be able to choose electives and tailor your degree to your specific interests and career aspirations. You can focus on many different areas of biology including:
- pre-health
- molecular biology
- genetics
- organismal biology.
Graduates of the Biology program will:
- Apply knowledge of fundamental biological principles to the description and analysis of living systems.
- Evaluate function as it relates to structure throughout the spectrum of biological organization.
- Apply laboratory research skills and techniques to the investigation of biological questions.
- Evaluate scientific issues and findings using primary research literature.
- Communicate scientific findings in written and oral formats appropriate to the audience.
- Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.
- Apply academic preparation to professional experiences outside the classroom.
Biology Students Trek the World
Students in our biology program have studied in the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and many other places. Make study abroad a part of your Stevenson Experience with a travel-based course or a semester or summer abroad.
Study Biology at Stevenson
Career Opportunities
Career Paths for Biology Majors
Graduates of our Biology program embark on many rewarding career choices, including:
- Industry Scientist
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Research Scientist
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
Curious about internships and job placement after you graduate? Visit our Office of Career Services.
Courses
The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor’s degree in biology. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).
Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.
Major Requirements
| BIO 113 | General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics | 3 credits |
| BIO 113L | General Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics | 1 credit |
| OR | ||
| BIO 113HL | Honors - General Biology I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| BIO 114 | General Biology II: Structure and Function of Organisms | 3 credits |
| BIO 114L | General Biology II Laboratory: Structure and Function of Organisms | 1 credit |
| BIO 115 | General Biology III Laboratory: Ecology and Evolution | 3 credits |
| BIO 115L | General Biology III Laboratory: Ecology and Evolution | 1 credit |
| BIO 218 | Career Connections in the Life Sciences | 1 credit |
| BIO 230 | Genetics | 4 credits |
| BIO 235L | Diversity of Life | 2 credits |
| CHEM 114 | General Chemistry I with Problem Solving | 3 credits |
| OR | ||
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHEM 115L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 115S | General Chemistry I SoLVE | 0 credits |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHEM 116L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 116S | General Chemistry II SoLVE | 0 credits |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHEM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| MATH 136 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 credits |
| SCI 215 | Writing in the Sciences | 3 credits |
Complete one of the following senior capstone options:
Students choosing one of the 9-credit senior capstone options can take one less upper level Biology elective.
| BIO 450 | Senior Research Capstone | 5 credits |
| BIO 455 | Senior Internship Capstone | 5 credits |
| BIO 460 | Senior Research Capstone | 9 credits |
| BIO 460H | Honors Senior Research Capstone | 9 credits |
| BIO 465 | Senior Internship Capstone | 9 credits |
| BIO 465H | Honors Senior Internship Capstone | 9 credits |
Biology Electives (take 6 electives)
Take six courses from the following courses listed below according to the following criteria:
- A minimum of three courses at the 300 or 400 level
- A minimum of three lab courses
- A maximum of two courses with the BIOCH, or ENV designation
- A maximum of one research course from BIO 362, BIO 365, BIOCH 362, BIOCH 365, ENV 362, ENV 365
BIO 203, BIO 210, BIO 217, BIO 222, BIO 310, BIO 312, BIO 313, BIO 314, BIO 315, BIO 322, BIO 326 BIO 330, BIO 335, BIO 362, BIO 365, BIO 425, BIOCH 327, BIOCH 345L, BIOCH 362, BIOCH 365, BIOCH 427, ENV 213, ENV 255, ENV 260, ENV 270, ENV 275, ENV 280, ENV 285, ENV 307, ENV 310, ENV 320, ENV 330, ENV 340, ENV 360, ENV 362, ENV 365, ENV 375, ENV 410, ENV 420, ENV 430.
Students can take either BIO 217 or BIOCH 327 but not both. Students can take BIO 322 or BIO 326 but not both.
Explore our academic catalog for a full listing of courses, course descriptions, suggested course sequences, and more.
Tracks and Minors
Minor
The minor in biology requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with a BIO prefix. For biology courses with a separate lab co-requisite, both the lab and lecture for the course must be taken; however, the lab does not count as a separate course toward the minor.
Courses ineligible for the biology minor include:
- BIO 104 The Human Body and Contemporary Health Issues
Please see the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences for further information regarding this minor. General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the Minors section of the catalog.
BA Option
Students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. The student must fulfill all SEE requirements, program requirements, and complete two semesters of a foreign language from the point of placement or completion of 202 level.
BS/MFS Option
The BS/MFS option is available for students majoring in biology who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master’s degree in forensic science. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degrees in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into this BS/MFS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. Please see the Forensic Science section of the catalog for more information.
BS/MAT Option
The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in biology who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. Please see Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of the catalog for more information.
Service-Learning Options
Service learning options are offered periodically with some biology courses. Please consult the course instructor or the department chair if you have any questions.
Biology Honors
Eligible students majoring in biology may elect to pursue honors within the Department of Biological Sciences. The intention to pursue biology department honors must be declared no later than the end of the first semester of the junior year. To declare the intent to pursue department honors, a student must have earned a science GPA of 3.50 or higher.
Students graduating with biology department honors will have this distinction noted on their official university transcript. In order to graduate with department honors, the following requirements must be met:
- Completion of a 400-level capstone experience with a grade of “B” or better
- Completion of BIO 440 Seminar Topics in Biology with a grade of “B” or better
- Completion of an Honors Contract Project in an upper-level biology course. A grade of “B” or better must be earned in the course in which an Honors Contract Project is completed. The student must submit a contract project proposal to be approved by department faculty before beginning the project. The final project must be approved by department faculty in order to receive honors credit.
- A science GPA of 3.50 or higher at the time of graduation
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