Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [FINAL EDITION]

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


Freshman


Fall (14.5 Credits)


Spring (14.5 Credits)


Sophomore


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 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 Elective 3 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 123-129


*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, 315, 317, 324, 325, 327.
B. Cell & Molecular Biology: 302, 306, 310, 314, 316, 319, 320, 326.
C. Interorganismal Biology: 301, 312, 313, 318, 340/342, 345, 401, 419.

Students with a Science GPA of at least 2.3 may take BIOL 499  (at least 3 semester hours) as one of their four unspecified biology electives. BCH 451 /BCH 453  may also be taken as an unspecified biology elective. For students with a strong interest in biology, it is recommended that additional advanced biology courses be considered for free electives.

Pathways


Pre-Occupational Therapy Pathway


Biology 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):

Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway


Students who wish to apply for admission to Widener’s graduate physical therapy program may follow a BS or BA biology program and should take the following courses (note the most recent courses are factored into the prerequisite requirements):

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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