The degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology offered by the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences is conferred upon students who complete an approved program of study with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0. A minimum grade of C must be earned in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics courses and in the University’s core curriculum courses to apply for graduation. A maximum of 16 hours of credit may be taken at the 100 or 200 level that may be applied for major credit. More credits at the 100 or 200 level may be taken but will be applied toward free elective credit. Passing grades of less than C in core curriculum courses may be applied as free elective credits if a suitable substitution course is available. The substitution course may be taken and counted for credit as a core curriculum or science component provided that the course is approved by the student’s advisor and a minimum grade of C is earned. (For example, a student takes HIS 101 and receives a grade of D. This student then elects to take HIS 201 and receives a grade of C. The result is that HIS 201 is counted as core curriculum credit and HIS 101 is counted as elective credit in the Social Sciences or free electives.) In order to complete the program of study and receive a degree, a student must complete an exit exam.
There are several tracks developed by the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences that lead to the Bachelor’s degree. Each track includes 38 credit hours in Biology, 8 credit hours in Chemistry, 6 credit hours in Mathematics, 9 credit hours in English, 4 credit hours in Physics, 6 credit hours in History, 6 credit hours in Philosophy, 6 credit hours in Theology, 6 hours in Social Sciences (courses in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Geography, or Political Science), 3 credit hours in Fine Arts (courses in Music, Art, or Fine Arts), 3 credit hours in Speech, and electives credits for a total of 120 hours of credit required for the degree. Some tracks have more requirements or have specific course selections for the course areas listed above, and the requirements of some tracks may not allow for any free electives credit to be applied toward graduation. The current tracks are General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology leading to Teacher Secondary Certification, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Veterinary, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Optometry, and Pre-Physical therapy. Other professional programs such as Pre-Physician Assistant and Pre-Occupational Therapy may also be accomplished while at University of Holy Cross, and students seeking to apply to these programs should speak with their departmental advisor for guidance.
Selection of a particular track does not guarantee admission to any post-graduate or professional program. These programs are often extremely competitive, and admission is subject to the selection processes of the institutions offering the advanced programs. It is also possible to encounter Professional schools with slightly different requirements, and it is incumbent on the student to ensure that the alternative requirements are incorporated into his or her degree program with the assistance of the departmental advisor. The tracks simply allow the student to complete the requisite course work to be eligible for the application process. Selection of a particular track does not prevent students from applying to programs outside their tracks. Should a student want to change his or her focus or apply to a different post-graduate program, an advisor in the department can provide guidance to accomplish the student’s goals.
Minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Food Science are also offered by the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences. A minor is 18 hours in a discipline, nine of which must be 300 or 400-level courses. The courses in the minor may not be used to fulfill the core or General Education requirements.
General Biology Track
The General Biology track leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree is a program of a general nature, designed for the student who has not decided on a career path in Biology. It is readily adaptable to a specific goal and represents a minimal concentration in the Life Sciences. Students completing this minimal curriculum may have no more than 12 hours of credit at the 100 or 200 levels. Hours in excess of this amount may be used as free elective credits. In addition to the limit of credit at the Freshman and Sophomore levels, students completing this curriculum must have at least six courses in Biology with lab credits.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| PSY/SOC | Psychology or Sociology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
| BIO | Biology Elective | 4 |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
BIO (Biology Elective): lecture and lab
BIO (Organismal): BIO 261, BIO 262, BIO 310, BIO 311, BIO 312, BIO 350, or BIO 355 (lecture and lab)
Junior
| BIO | Environmental | 3-4 |
| | | |
| BIO 375 | Genetics | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 375L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO | Biology Elective | 3 |
| | | |
| PHY 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 151L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
BIO (Environmental): BIO 302, BIO 345, or BIO 400 (lecture and lab)
Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO | Biology Electives | 17 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
8 |
| Electives |
25 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Physics |
4 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Cell Biology and Molecular Biology Track
The Cell and Molecular Biology track leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree is a program of a general nature, designed for the student who has decided on a research career path in Biology but is more inclined to seek courses focused on the cellular and molecular organization of biological systems. It is readily adaptable to a specific goal and is a type of degree associated with application to Master’s or Doctoral programs in the Life Sciences.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| PSY/SOC | Psychology or Sociology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Sophomore
| BIO 400 | Ecology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 400L | Ecology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
Junior
| BIO 340 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| | | |
| BIO 375 | Genetics | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 375L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 201L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 202 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 202L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 151L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 152 | General Physics II | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 152L | General Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Senior
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
16 |
| Electives |
10 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Biology Leading to Teacher Secondary Certification Track
The Biology leading to teacher secondary certification is a specialized track that enables a graduate to enter a secondary certification curriculum upon graduation. In order to proceed into the certification program a student must pass PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II and have a 3.0 GPA in all courses identified as Education courses (EDU) and an overall GPA of 2.5. Students seeking to follow this curriculum should consult with their departmental advisor and with an advisor for the Education department to ensure that they are eligible for admission into the post-baccalaureate certification program.
Freshman (30 Credits)
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
Sophomore (30 Credits)
| BIO 375 | Genetics | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 375L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| BIO 250 | | |
| | And | |
| BIO 250L | | |
| | | |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| EDU 301/EDU 301 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 304A | The Learner with Special Needs | 3 |
| EDU 306 | Classroom Organization & Management | 3 |
| PSY/SOC | Psychology or Sociology Elective | 3 |
Junior (31 Credits)
| BIO 400 | Ecology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 400L | Ecology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO | Biology Electives | 8 |
| | | |
| PHY 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 151L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| EDU 311 | Teaching Reading in the Content Area | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 3 |
Senior (29 Credits)
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO | Biology Electives | 9 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| EDU 345 | Professional Laboratory Experience Program | 4 |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 120 |
Notes:
1. EDU 345 must have passed PRAXIS Core Knowledge and II as a prerequisite
2. Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Post-Baccalaureate certification
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
8 |
| Electives |
9 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Physics |
4 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Education |
16 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Pre-Physical Therapy Track
The Pre-Physical Therapy track is a curriculum for students applying to a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. This curriculum is applicable to most schools of Physical Therapy, but it is incumbent on students to insure that they have met the specific requirements of a particular program in consultation with their departmental advisor in order to maximize their potential for acceptance into these competitive programs.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Sophomore
| BIO | Environmental | 3-4 |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28-29 |
BIO (Environmental): BIO 302, BIO 345, or BIO 400 (lecture and lab)
BIO (Organismal): BIO 261, BIO 262, BIO 310, BIO 311, BIO 312, BIO 350, or BIO 355 (lecture and lab)
Junior
| BIO | Biology Elective | 4-5 |
| | | |
| BIO 375 | Genetics | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 375L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 151L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 152 | General Physics II | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 152L | General Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30-31 |
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 261 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 261L | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 262 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 262L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO | Biology Electives | 9 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
8 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Electives |
21 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| English |
9 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Theology |
6 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Pre-Medicine Track
Specifically, the Pre-Medicine track leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree provides the student with the requisite course work to qualify for application to an accredited medical college. The program offers depth of study in biology and chemistry, as well as courses in science, mathematics, fine arts, humanities, and social sciences to provide the student with a broad-based foundation for graduate study and success in the workplace. While this program has been specifically tailored to meet requirements for admission to medical school, medical school admission can also be achieved while majoring in other baccalaureate programs within the University (for example, Bachelor of Science in Food Science). Students who wish to pursue this option should consult with the faculty pre-medical advisor to ensure that their course of study will qualify them for application to medical school. For this curriculum it is highly recommended that Biology electives be taken in upper-level Biology courses that have a focus on Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology, and free elective credits would also be appropriate in the same concentrations as the Biology elective credits. This focus may be maintained through consultation with the Pre-Medical advisor in the department and by taking BIO 295 when students have earned 46 to 70 hours of credits toward their degree.
If a student thinks that he or she is qualified, application to medical school should occur between the junior and senior years, following completion of the core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and after taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Most Medical Schools also require that applicants use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) to submit their application materials. Consultation with the Premedical Advisor in the department can help to make sure that an applicant is proceeding correctly.
The exit exam for this track must be completed by taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) (with students paying costs) and reporting the results to the University.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 261 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 261L | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 32 |
Sophomore
| BIO 262 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 262L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 370/HSC 370 | Microbiology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 370L | Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 375 | Genetics | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 375L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO | Biology Elective | 3 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
Junior
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO | Biology Elective | 2 |
| | | |
| BIO 407 | Histology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 407L/HSC 457 | Histology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30-31 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
20 |
| Electives |
9 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Pre-Physician Assistant Track
Specifically, the Pre-Physician Assistant track leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree provides the student with the requisite course work to qualify for application to an accredited Physician Assistant program. The program offers depth of study in biology and chemistry, as well as courses in science, mathematics, fine arts, humanities, and social sciences to provide the student with a broad-based foundation for graduate study and success in the workplace. While this program has been specifically tailored to meet requirements for admission to a Physician Assistant program, Physician Assistant school admission can also be achieved while majoring in other baccalaureate programs within the College (for example, Bachelor of Science in Food Science). Students who wish to pursue this option should consult with the faculty advisor to ensure that their course of study will qualify them for application to Physician Assistant school.
For this curriculum it is highly recommended that Biology electives be taken in upper-level Biology courses that have a focus on Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology, and free elective credits would also be appropriate in the same concentrations as the Biology elective credits. This focus may be maintained through consultation with the advisor in the department.
If a student thinks that he or she is qualified, application to Physician Assistant school should occur between the junior and senior years, following completion of the core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and after taking the GRE. Consultation with the Pre- Physician Assistant advisor in the department can help to make sure that an applicant is proceeding correctly.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| | And | |
| ENG 102L | | |
| | | |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Sophomore
| BIO 261 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 261L | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 262 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 262L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO | Biology Electives | 5 |
| HSC 110 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| | | |
| CHE 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 201L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
Junior
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 455/HSC 455 | Neuroscience | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 455L | Neuroscience Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 407 | Histology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 407L/HSC 457 | Histology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 360/CHE 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| BIO 360L | | |
| | | |
| | And | |
| | | |
| CHE 360/BIO 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| CHE 360L | | |
| | | |
| THE | Theology Electives | 6 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
20 |
| Electives |
9 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Pre-Dentistry Track
The specific purpose of the Pre-Dentistry track leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology is to provide the student with the requisite course work to qualify for application to an accredited dental college. The program provides a depth of study in biology and chemistry, as well as courses in science, mathematics, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, and business to provide the student with a broad-based foundation for graduate study and success in the workplace. Dental school admission requirements may also be satisfied while majoring in other baccalaureate programs within the University (for example, Bachelor of Science in Food Science). Students who wish to pursue this option should consult with the faculty Pre-Dentistry advisor to ensure that their course of study will qualify them for application to dental school.
If a student thinks that he or she is qualified, application to dental school should occur between the junior and senior years, following completion of the core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and after taking the Dental Aptitude Test. Those students applying to schools outside of Louisiana should also consider enrolling in the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| PSY/SOC | Psychology or Sociology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
| BIO | Environmental | 3-4 |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28-29 |
BIO (Environmental): BIO 302, BIO 345, or BIO 400 (lecture and lab)
BIO (Organismal): BIO 261, BIO 262, BIO 310, BIO 311, BIO 312, BIO 350, or BIO 355 (lecture and lab)
Junior
Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO | Biology Elective | 1-2 |
| | | |
| BIO 407 | Histology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 407L/HSC 457 | Histology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 360/CHE 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| BIO 360L | | |
| | | |
| | And | |
| | | |
| CHE 360/BIO 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| CHE 360L | | |
| | | |
| BIO 261 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 261L | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 262 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 262L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30-31 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
16 |
| Electives |
13 |
| English |
9 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Pre-Optometry Track
The specific purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Optometry program is to provide the student with the requisite course work to qualify for application to an accredited optometry college. The program provides a depth of study in biology and chemistry, as well as courses in science, mathematics, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, and business to provide the student with a broad-based foundation for graduate study and success in the workplace. While this program has been specifically tailored to meet requirements for admission to optometry school, optometry school admission requirements can also be satisfied while majoring in other baccalaureate programs within the University (for example, Bachelor of Science in Biology). Students who wish to pursue this option should consult with the faculty Pre- Optometry advisor to ensure that their course of study will qualify them for application to optometry school.
If a student thinks that he or she is qualified, application to optometry school should occur between the junior and senior years, following completion of the core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and after taking the Optometry Aptitude Test.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| PSY/SOC | Psychology or Sociology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
| BIO | Environmental | 3-4 |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28-29 |
BIO (Environmental): BIO 240, BIO 302, or BIO 400
BIO (Organismal): BIO 261, BIO 262, BIO 310, BIO 311, BIO 312, BIO 350, or BIO 355 (lecture and lab)
Junior
Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO | Biology Elective | 1-2 |
| | | |
| BIO 407 | Histology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 407L/HSC 457 | Histology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 360/CHE 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| BIO 360L | | |
| | | |
| | And | |
| | | |
| CHE 360/BIO 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| CHE 360L | | |
| | | |
| BIO 261 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 261L | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 262 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 262L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30-31 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
16 |
| Electives |
11 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Pre-Pharmacy Track
The specific purpose of the Pre-Pharmacy track leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology is to provide the student with the requisite course work to qualify for application to an accredited pharmacy program. The program provides a depth of study in biology and chemistry, as well as courses in science, mathematics, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, and business, to provide the student with a broad-based foundation for graduate study and success in the workplace. While this program has been specifically tailored to meet requirements for admission to pharmacy school, pharmacy school admission may also be satisfied while majoring in other baccalaureate programs within the College (for example, Bachelor of Science in Health Science). Students who wish to pursue this option should consult with the Pre-Pharmacy advisor to ensure that their course of study will qualify them for application to pharmacy school. It should be noted that the admission requirements of the two pharmacy programs in Louisiana are quite different and that the program described here most closely matches the requirements of Xavier University. Students wishing to apply to the Pharmacy program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe should check with the faculty pharmacy advisor for guidance. Admission requirements at both institutions have been recently updated and may not remain constant in the near future, so students should check with their faculty advisor and with the admitting institution for the most current requirements.
If a student thinks that he or she is qualified, application to pharmacy school may occur after completion of the core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, business, and accounting.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
| BIO | Environmental | 3-4 |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 240 | Applied Calculus | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28-29 |
BIO (Environmental): BIO 240, BIO 302, or BIO 400
BIO (Organismal): BIO 310, BIO 311, BIO 312, BIO 350, or BIO 355 (lecture and lab)
Junior
| BIO 261 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 261L | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 262 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 262L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 375 | Genetics | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 357L | | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 201L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 202 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 202L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 151L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 152 | General Physics II | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 152L | General Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| BUS 218 | Introduction To Business | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO | Biology Elective | 5-6 |
| | | |
| BIO 370/HSC 370 | Microbiology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 370L | Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 360/CHE 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | Or | |
| CHE 360/BIO 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | | |
| ECO 201 | Principles of Economics I Macroeconomics | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 4 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30-31 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Business |
3 |
| Chemistry |
16 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
9 |
| Philosophy |
6 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Free elective |
7 |
| Theology |
6 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Track
The specific purpose of the Pre-Veterinary medicine track leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology is to provide the student with the requisite course work to qualify for application to an accredited veterinary program. The program provides a depth of study in biology and chemistry as well as courses in science mathematics, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, and business to provide the student with a broad-based foundation for graduate study and success in the workplace. While this program has been specifically tailored to meet requirements for admission to medical school, veterinary medical school admission can also be satisfied while majoring in other baccalaureate programs within the College (for example, Bachelor of Science in Health Science). Students who wish to pursue this option should consult with the veterinary advisor to ensure that their course of study will qualify them for application to veterinary school.
If a student thinks that he or she is qualified, application to veterinary school should occur between the junior and senior years, following completion of the core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and after taking the Graduate Record Examination or the Medical Colleges Admissions Test. Experience working with animals must also be demonstrated, either through volunteer work or employment activities that involve care and familiarity with animals. Generally, admission to veterinary medical school is limited by the state residency requirements of the individual veterinary schools.
Freshman
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 101L | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 160 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| PSY/SOC | Psychology or Sociology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
| BIO | Environmental | 3-4 |
| BIO | Organismal | 4 |
| | | |
| CHE 141 | General College Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 141L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 142 | General College Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 142L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG | English Literature Elective | 3 |
| HIS | History Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28-29 |
BIO (Environmental): BIO 240, BIO 302, or BIO 400
BIO (Organismal): BIO 261, BIO 262, BIO 310, BIO 311, BIO 312, BIO 350, or BIO 355 (lecture and lab)
Junior
| BIO | Biology Elective | 4-5 |
| | | |
| BIO 375 | Genetics | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 375L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 201L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| CHE 202 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| | And | |
| CHE 202L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 151L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHY 152 | General Physics II | 3 |
| | And | |
| PHY 152L | General Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| PHI | Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30-31 |
Social Science Elective: PSY, HIS, ECO, CJU, SOC, or PSC
Senior
| BIO 499 | Exit Exam in Biology | 0 |
| BIO 409 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO | Biology Electives | 9 |
| | | |
| BIO 370/HSC 370 | Microbiology | 3 |
| | And | |
| BIO 370L | Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| BIO 360/CHE 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| BIO 360L | | |
| | | |
| | And | |
| | | |
| CHE 360/BIO 360 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | And | |
| CHE 360L | | |
| | | |
| THE | Theology Elective | 3 |
| ART/FNA/MUS | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Free Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| Biology |
38 |
| Chemistry |
16 |
| Electives |
13 |
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Physics |
8 |
| Social Sciences |
12 |
| Speech |
3 |
Total Credit Hours: 120