Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

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Students majoring in Biology are required to take a four-semester introductory sequence. While this sequence offers greater content knowledge coverage compared to a traditional Biology I & II sequence, it also includes extensive development of skills in the areas of reading and researching primary literature, scientific writing, experimental design, and data analysis.

Beyond the core sequence, majors must take an additional 22 semester hours of Biology courses which must include at least four different laboratory courses. A course in Special Topics in Biological Sciences is required during the student’s Senior year. A grade of C or higher must be earned in each biology course. An average grade of C is also required for the chemistry, physics, math, and statistics courses listed below. The BS can also be combined with the Master of Arts in STEM Education in an Accelerated Dual Degree Program. The Master of Arts in STEM Education is described in the Graduate Catalog under the College of Education.

The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences advises all students that all Biology courses may require observation of, dissection of, manipulation of and experimentation with living or preserved organisms. These exercises are an integral part of biology courses and provide an essential experience.

General Education

All students starting before Fall 2018 and transfer students must complete the University General Education Requirements as described in the Undergraduate Program Requirements .

Rowan Core

All first-time Freshmen starting in Fall 2018 or after must complete the University Rowan Core Requirements as described in Undergraduate Program Requirements .

Rowan Experience

All students must complete the Rowan Experience requirements as described in Undergraduate Program Requirements .

Program Requirements

Required (Comprehensive Education or Core) Courses:

(may also fulfill General Education or Rowan Core Requirements)

BIOL 01104 - Introduction to Evolution and Scientific Inquiry Credits: 4
CHEM 06100 - Chemistry I Credits: 4
PHIL 09368 - Philosophy Of Science Credits: 3
or
PHIL 09376 - Philosophy Of Medicine - WI Credits: 3
MATH 01130 - Calculus I Credits: 4

Required (Foundational) courses for the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences:

BIOL 01106 - Introduction to Genetics Credits: 4 *
BIOL 01203 - Introduction to Cell Biology Credits: 4 *
BIOL 01204 - Introduction to Ecology Credits: 4
CHEM 06101 - Chemistry II Credits: 4
CHEM 07200 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 07201 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 4
PHYS 00210 - Physics I Without Calculus Credits: 4
PHYS 00211 - Physics II Without Calculus Credits: 4
STAT 02280 - Biometry Credits: 4

Note:

*Transfer students who have taken the equivalent of BIOL 01100 - Biology I and BIOL 01101 - Biology II at another institution are required to take BIOL 01202 - Biological Skills for Transfer Students , which will allow them to take BIOL 01204 . This will complete the introductory sequence and allow them to take most Biology electives.

Additional Required Courses:

BIOL 01445 - Special Topics In Biological Sciences - WI Credits: 3
or
BIOL 01475 - Biology Lab/Field Research Credits: 3

Biology Electives: 22 s.h

Students may choose electives from any 300 or higher-level Biology courses, as well as one 200-level course such as BIOL 10210 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 10212 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II . Students may count one 200-level course toward the requirement of four elective lab courses for the major.