Biology - B.S.
Effective May 17, 2024 FYS1020 and CAR0010 will no longer be requirements in our undergraduate programs.
The Biology bachelor's degree program provides a strong background of critical thinking skills and knowledge needed for further study in professional and graduate schools and for careers in biological science. The study of biology enables students to gain an understanding of the principles that govern life from the basic biochemistry of living cells to that of complex ecosystems. This understanding helps students identify and address the biological problems associated with human beings and their environments.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:
- Understand and apply the fundamental biological concepts of evolution, structure and function, information exchange and storage, and transformation of energy and matter to explain biological systems from molecules to communities.
- Communicate scientific information using oral and written arguments and visual presentation.
- Identify, evaluate and analyze scientific information.
- Apply the scientific method and critical thinking skills to address scientific questions.
- Apply mathematical and computational skills and interdisciplinary concepts and knowledge to interpret biological phenomena.
- Recognize ethical concerns pertaining to biological science and apply ethical practice in the scientific process.
- Evaluate the influence that biological science has on society, including the historical context of major findings in modern biology.
Upon completion of the Biomedical Science specialization, graduates are expected to:
- Apply fundamental concepts of microbiology, biochemistry and immunology to explain the cellular and molecular bases of host-microbial interactions.
- Apply fundamental concepts of human anatomy, human physiology, and histology to problem solve clinical situations.
Upon completion of the Environmental Studies specialization, graduates are expected to:
- Apply the core concepts and methods from economics, social, political and biological sciences to identify and address environmental problems.
Upon completion of the Plant Science specialization, graduates are expected to:
- Apply the fundamental concepts of plant anatomy, physiology, and diversity to cultivate, maintain the health of, and produce products from plants.
The courses in this program have been designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of biology. The biology courses allow students to explore the molecular and cellular basis of life, structure and function of organisms, and ecological interactions of organisms. The physical science courses provide opportunities for students to break the barriers between traditional sciences and integrate their knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics, a practice that is essential to the future of scientific progress.
To support student success in the Biology program, science faculty members are committed to following best practices for science education. This includes using active learning pedagogies in the classroom and guided inquiry learning pedagogies in the laboratories and providing quality internships opportunities. These teaching pedagogies are student-centered, interactive and focused on problem-based learning. They provide students with multiple opportunities to gain experiential training and use critical-thinking skills, both of which are essential for being successful members of the scientific community.
Graduates are prepared for careers that include, but are not limited to, biological technicians, forensic scientists, environmental scientists, microbiologists, medical laboratory scientists, zoologists and wildlife biologists. The Biology degree program also prepares students to pursue careers in healthcare, education and business.
Biology
A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree
Credits Major Courses | ||
| BIO1022 | General Biology - Organismal | 3 |
| BIO1026 | General Biology Laboratory - Organismal | 1 |
| BIO2001 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIO3040 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIO3046 | Molecular Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO3100 | Coastal Ecology | 3 |
| BIO3106 | Coastal Ecology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO4020 | Integrative Biology | 3 |
| BIO4026 | Integrative Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO4100 | Senior Seminar in Biology | 3 |
| Major Electives or Specialization | ||
| Choose 16-18 credits of the following (at least two courses must be at 3000 level or higher)* or Specialization listed below: † | 16-18 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory | ||
| Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory | ||
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Plant Cultivation I: Soil, Soil Substitutes, and Disease Management and Plant Cultivation I: Soil, Soil Substitutes, and Disease Management Laboratory | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Epigenetics | ||
| Fundamentals of Pharmacology | ||
| Plant Cultivation II: Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Tissue Culture, Genetics and Extraction and Plant Cultivation II: Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Tissue Culture, Genetics and Extraction Laboratory | ||
| Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Advanced Anatomy | ||
| Functional Histology and Functional Histology Laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Immunology | ||
| Applications of Plants & Fungi and Applications of Plants & Fungi Laboratory | ||
| Biochemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Sustainability Policy and Planning | ||
| Food Sustainability | ||
| The Business of Sustainability | ||
| Research Seminar in Sustainability | ||
| Applied/Experiential Learning | ||
| Choose 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Internship Ic | ||
| Directed Experiential Education D | ||
| Undergraduate Laboratory and Field Research | ||
| Undergraduate Research Experience | ||
| Honors Directed Academic Experience | ||
Study Abroad Sa | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| CAR0010 | Career Management | 1 |
| CHM1011 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM1016 | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM1022 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM1026 | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM2011 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM2016 | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM2022 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM2026 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| FYS1020 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| A&S Core Experience | ||
| Communications Foundation Courses | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Integrative Learning | 6 | |
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Arts and Humanities | 6 | |
| Ethics: A Global Perspective | ||
One course from ART, HIST, HUM, LIT or REL | ||
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Calculus I (or higher, based on student's placement) ** | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| Science | 4 | |
| General Biology - Cellular and General Biology Laboratory - Cellular | ||
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Introductory Psychology | ||
One course from ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, RES or SOC | ||
| A&S Electives | 8 | |
| General Physics I | ||
or PHY2011 | Physics I | |
| General Physics I Laboratory | ||
or PHY2016 | Physics I Laboratory | |
| General Physics II | ||
or PHY2022 | Physics II | |
| General Physics II Laboratory | ||
or PHY2026 | Physics II Laboratory | |
| Free Electives # | ||
| 15-16 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 15-16 | |
| Total Credits | 122.0-125.0 | |
- *
Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.
- **
Students that do not place in MATH1040 Calculus I, will need to take an extra course(s), MATH1020 Fundamentals of Algebra, and/or MATH1030 Precalculus, as prerequisite(s). If needed one, or both, will count as a free elective(s).
Credits †Specialization in Biomedical Science | 22 | |
| Students must use 4 credits of free electives to complete this specialization | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory | ||
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Functional Histology and Functional Histology Laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Immunology | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
Credits †Specialization in Environmental Studies | 22 | |
| Students must use 4 credits of free electives to complete this specialization | ||
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Sustainability Policy and Planning | ||
| Food Sustainability | ||
| The Business of Sustainability | ||
| Research Seminar in Sustainability | ||
| Environmental Sociology ‡ | ||
| ‡Students must use social science elective to take SOC1001 to satisfy SOC3200 prerequisite | ||
Credits †Specialization in Plant Science | 16 | |
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Plant Cultivation I: Soil, Soil Substitutes, and Disease Management and Plant Cultivation I: Soil, Soil Substitutes, and Disease Management Laboratory | ||
| Plant Cultivation II: Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Tissue Culture, Genetics and Extraction and Plant Cultivation II: Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Tissue Culture, Genetics and Extraction Laboratory | ||
| Applications of Plants & Fungi and Applications of Plants & Fungi Laboratory | ||
IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.
D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS).
SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/ Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact JWU Global to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program.
# In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.
Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.
In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international, domestic, and digital options for major, minor, free electives, experiential learning, and transferable courses. There are many affordable options for students during a semester, winter session, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Premiere programs do not qualify for JWU scholarships or grants; however federal aid is available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!
Combined Degrees Program
J2 Program
The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications, and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II).
The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program, must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application.
Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to enroll in graduate level courses (excludes: Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses and other programs as outlined by the colleges).
Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:
· Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
· Completed & registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
· Meet the individual course prerequisites
Appeal to Eligibility Criteria: College Dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College Dean / designee will review and determine approval.
These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.
Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.
Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Please see the Accelerated Programs to see all accelerated program options.