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The goal of the Major in Biology program is to provide students with broad training in the natural sciences with particular focus on the various aspects of the life sciences. Students will be trained not only in the relevant factual information but also in how to think logically, design and perform experiments, analyze data and draw conclusions, and communicate their findings in using both the spoken and written word.
Students take a three semester core composed of cell biology, genetics, and organismal biology. During the remaining two and one-half years, seven upper division courses are taken,
including at least one from each of three levels of biological organization: cellular/subcellular biology (Group A Courses), organismal biology (Group B Courses), and supra-organismal biology (Group C Courses). For their remaining upper-division electives, students may choose a broad mix of courses, or may pursue an area of special interest. Students may also count one semester of Undergraduate Research, Honors Research, a Graduate Biology “Advanced Topics” course, or a Biology Internship as an upper-division elective course. All undergraduate courses have a laboratory component.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BIOLOGY MAJOR
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The SJU General Education Requirement (the liberal arts and sciences courses required of all SJU students regardless of major):
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Common Core: (six courses)
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Eng 1011-1021
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Phl 1011-1031
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His 1011-1021
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University Distribution:(14 courses)
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Foreign language - 2 courses
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Lit/Fine Arts - 1 course
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Mathematics - 2 courses
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MAT 1251: Applied Calculus and MAT 1281: Applied Statistics together satisfy the GER and major requirements.
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Philosophy - 1 course
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Must be “third level”
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Social Science - 3 courses
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No more than two courses from any one area of the Social Sciences.
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Theology - 3 courses
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Natural Science - 2 courses
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Bio I: Cells and Bio II: Genetics taken during freshman year satisfy the GER and major requirements.
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Free Electives - 4 to 6 courses
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The number of free elelctives may vary depending on whether students use the 38 course option (see below) or have AP credit before being admitted to SJU.
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Major Concentration: 14 courses
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Biology:
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Bio 1031 - Bio III: Organismal Biology
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Bio 2281 - Seminar
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Taken each semester starting Spring of Sophomore year.
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One course from each of the following groups:
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Group A:
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Cellular and Sub-Cellular Biology
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Group B:
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Organismal Biology
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Group C:
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Super-Organismal Biology
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and 4 additional Bio 2000 courses for a total of 7 Bio 2000 level courses
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These courses can include one semester of undergraduate
research, honors research, an internship or cross-listed Graduate Advanced Topics courses.
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Chemistry:
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General Chemistry - 2 courses
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General Chem. lab - 2 courses
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Organic Chemistry - 2 courses
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Organic Chem. lab - 2 courses
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Physics:
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General Physics - 2 courses
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General Physics lab -2 courses
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Thirty-Eight Course Option:
Biology majors have the option of graduating with 38 instead of the usual 40 course requirement. This option may be exercised anytime following
consultation with the student's academic advisor. Typically students exercise the option in their junior year to reduce their course load while studying for exams such as the MCAT or GRE. Many biology majors, however, maintain
their full academic load throughout all 8 semesters and use these two courses to pursue a minor or take electives in areas of interest.
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