Biology - Bachelor of Science

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is a stand-alone major that serves as the first step to post-baccalaureate education in the healthcare professions such as medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, or scientific research. Students completing this major would also be eligible for immediate employment as a science lab technician in an academic setting or in industry, scientific, or pharmaceutical sales or technical representatives. This is a major built on a strong foundation in the natural sciences which allows for many different pathways for the Biology graduate.

Mission Statement

The mission of the degree program is to graduate individuals who will be prepared to go on to graduate school or secure science-related jobs, such as research assistants or technologists. The program strives to educate students beyond their professional goals to their role as a citizen in a diverse society and a steward of the environment.

Goals of The Biology Major

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding and application of scientific principles.
  2. Integrate critical thinking skills to examine and interpret scientific questions.
  3. Skillfully collect and analyze scientific data.
  4. Locate, evaluate, and communicate analytical information.
  5. Enter graduate schools or scientific fields.

Biology Major

Mercy College students in good standing can declare a biology major. High school science courses (Biology and Chemistry with a lab) or their college equivalents must be taken within the past seven years with a “C” or better prior to the first semester. For students to progress to the third semester of the program, the mathematics prerequisites must be met. Mathematics prerequisites are as follows: high school courses or their college equivalents within the past seven years with a “C” or better including Algebra I; Algebra II and Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus or an integrated sequence of advanced math courses (Statistics, Business Math, and/or computer courses will not fulfill this requirement). All program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Degree Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Biology a student must complete all college requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree including the following:

General Education Requirements (67 Credit Hours Required)

 

Complete All of the Following Courses:

Oral and Written Communication (GCOM) - 6 Minimum
ENG 101English Composition I

3

ENG 102English Composition II

3

Math, Statistics, and Logic (GMSL) - 3 minimum
MTH 140Introduction to Statistics

3

MTH 150Calculus

4

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSBS) - 6 minimum
PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

3

SOC 101Introduction to Sociology

3

PSY 201Lifespan Psychology

3

Arts, Humanities, Culture, and Diversity (includes Religious Studies) (GAHD) - 9 minimum
REL 290Medical Ethics

3

SOC 211Cultural Diversity

3

General Education course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity – Religious Studies (GAHR)

3

Natural Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (GNST) - 6 minimum
CHM 210General College Chemistry I

5

CHM 211General College Chemistry II

5

CHM 320Organic Chemistry I

5

Additional hours from one or more of the above categories 6 minimum
General Education Course Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity including Religious Studies (GHAD or GHAR); or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSBS) at the 300/400 level

3

Total Credit Hours:49

Required Biology Major Course Requirements

Complete all of the following major courses:

BIO 200Science in the News

2

BIO 205General Biology I

5

BIO 206General Biology II

5

BIO 210Microbiology

4

BIO 220Anatomy and Physiology I

4

BIO 221Anatomy and Physiology II

4

BIO 240Career Topics for Biology Majors

1

BIO 290Pathophysiology

3

BIO 336Genetics

4

BIO 400Service Learning in Biology

2

BIO 410Cell Biology

4

BIO 430Principles of Ecology

4

HSC 100Introduction to Health Careers

3

Total Credit Hours:45

Biology Pathway Course Requirements

The following are options available for the advisor approved pre-professional pathways.  Consult with an advisor prior to enrolling in coursework to meet the Biology Pathway requirements.

Complete 18 semester hours from the following:

BIO 350Biology of Human Reproduction

3

BIO 410Cell Biology

4

BIO 420Histology

4

BIO 450Immunology

3

CHM 321Organic Chemistry II

5

HIT 105Medical Terminology

3

PHS 220College Physics I

4

PHS 221College Physics II

4

PSY 340Abnormal Psychology

3

Total Credit Hours:18

To complete the minimum of 36 credit hours of 300/400 level coursework, all pathways should typically include at least 14 semester hours of 300/400 coursework.

Credit Hour Requirements Credit Hours
Total Required Bachelor of Science General Education Credit Hours 49
Total Required Biology Program/Major Credit Hours 45
 Total Required Biology Pathway Course Credit Hours 18
General Elective Credit 8
Total Credit Hours for Graduation 120 

Students may be required to take additional free elective credits to reach the 120 semester credit hours required for graduation. Free elective credit may be satisfied through prior coursework and transfer credit. See academic advisor for more details.

To complete college requirements students will be required to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of 300/400 level coursework.

Sample Program of Study

Semester I

BIO 205General Biology I

5

CHM 210General College Chemistry I

5

ENG 101English Composition I

3

HSC 100Introduction to Health Careers

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Semester II

BIO 206General Biology II

5

CHM 211General College Chemistry II

5

ENG 102English Composition II

3

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Semester III

BIO 220Anatomy and Physiology I

4

MTH 150Calculus

4

PHS 220College Physics I

4

General Education course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity – Religious Studies (GAHR)

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Semester IV

BIO 221Anatomy and Physiology II

4

BIO 240Career Topics for Biology Majors

1

MTH 140Introduction to Statistics

3

PHS 221College Physics II

4

3 Free Elective Credits

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Semester V

BIO 200Science in the News

2

BIO 290Pathophysiology

3

CHM 320Organic Chemistry I

5

SOC 211Cultural Diversity

3

Total Credit Hours:13

Semester VI

BIO 210Microbiology

4

BIO 336Genetics

4

CHM 321Organic Chemistry II

5

REL 290Medical Ethics

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Semester VII

BIO 350Biology of Human Reproduction

3

BIO 410Cell Biology

4

BIO 430Principles of Ecology

4

PSY 201Lifespan Psychology

3

1 Free Elective Credit

Total Credit Hours:15

Semester VIII

BIO 400Service Learning in Biology

2

BIO 420Histology

4

CHM 410Biochemistry

5

General Education course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity - Religious Studies (GAHR); or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSBS) at the 300/400 level

3

Total Credit Hours:14