Nov 22, 2024  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Version) 
    
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Version)

Biology, BS

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The BS in biology program is designed to provide a solid foundation in the sciences. In addition, it incorporates a flexible selection of biology electives that permits students to design biology curricula tailored to their individual academic interests and career goals. Through appropriate selection of courses, curricula can be designed to prepare students:

  • For entrance into professional schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatric medicine, and other branches of the healing arts.
  • For graduate education in various fields of the life sciences such as biochemistry, molecular biology, plant or animal physiology, environmental science, genetic engineering, or microbiology.
  • For post-baccalaureate education in careers in the allied health fields such as physical therapy (Note: the BA in biology is an alternative preparation for allied health careers).
  • For careers in academic or industrial research, governmental agencies, or technical sales.

Curriculum Sequence

First Year

Fall (14.5 Credits)

Spring (14.5 Credits)

Sophomore

Fall (16 Credits)

Spring (15-16 Credits)

Junior

Fall (15-16 Credits)

Spring (15-16 Credits)

Senior

Fall (16-18 Credits)

  • BIOL Elective 4 Credit(s)
  • BIOL Elective or Free Elective 3-4 Credit(s) *
  • BIOL Elective or Free Elective 3-4 Credit(s) *
  • HUM/SSCI/FLEX Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • HUM/SSCI Elective 3 Credit(s)

Spring (16-18 Credits)

  • BIOL Elective 4 Credit(s)
  • BIOL Elective or Free Elective 3-4 Credit(s) *
  • BIOL Elective or Free Elective 3-4 Credit(s) *
  • 3 Credit(s)
  • HUM/SSCI/FLEX Elective 3 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 122-123

*Seven biology electives are required and must include at least one from each of the following lists of courses:

A. Organismal Biology: 303, 305, 307, 308, 309, 311, 324, 325, 327
B. Cell & Molecular Biology: 302, 306, 310, 314, 316, 319, 320, 326, 419*
C. Interorganismal Biology: 301, 312, 313, 318, 340/342, 345, 401, 419**

**BIOL 419 may count as a category C or B elective but not as both.

Students may take one 300 level course without a lab, unless it is the sole course taken in category A, B, or C.

Students with a Science GPA of at least 2.3 may take BIOL 498 or BIOL 499 (at least 3 semester hours on one project with additional specifications - see your advisor) as one of their four unspecified biology electives. BCH 452/BCH 454 may also be taken as an unspecified biology elective. ENVR 261 may be considered for an unspecified biology elective (with additional requirements-see your advisor). For students with a strong interest in biology, it is recommended that additional advanced biology courses be considered for free electives.

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later.  Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission.  Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.

Occupational Therapy Pathway

Pre-Occupational Therapy Pathway

Majors who wish to apply for admission to Widener’s graduate occupational therapy program should take the following courses (note the most recent courses are factored into the prerequisite requirements):

Please Note:

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later.  Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission.  Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.

Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Social Sciences

  • Two PSY Electives 6 Credit(s)* 
  • One Anth or SOC Elective 3 Credit(s)

*PSY 105 is an acceptable option

Please Note:

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later.  Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission.  Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.

Honors in Biology

The Honors in Biology program is for students who wish to extend their studies beyond the requirements for a BS in biology. Students wishing to graduate with “Honors in Biology” must complete a senior thesis. The senior thesis is intended to provide an opportunity for students to participate in an independent, investigative research project with recognition of their commitment and their motivation to exceed the requirements of the bachelor in science degree in biology. The students will carry out novel laboratory or field research in the biological sciences. The program includes a three-semester sequence (BIOL 408 , BIOL 409 , and BIOL 410 ). Students must defend their theses before a committee and earn a minimum grade of “A-” in BIOL 409  and BIOL 410  to receive the honors designation.

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