Bachelor of Science
The BS in biology provides a firm foundation in several different fields of science, including biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The BS degree in biology is recommended for students who are interested in pursuing a professional career in the biological sciences, attending graduate school or professional school, or who want a strong, broad-based degree in the natural sciences.
Biologists feel a sense of adventure in the search to understand the living world. The study of biology increases awareness and appreciation of the living world, enhances problem-solving abilities, introduces the practice of science, and forms the foundation for a challenging and rewarding career.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Biology Courses | ||
| BIO-1210 & 1210Z | General Biology I and General Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-1220 & 1220Z | General Biology II and General Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-2280 & 2280Z | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-3400 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO-3510 & 3510Z | Ecology and Ecology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-3530 | Evolution | 4 |
| Selected Courses | ||
| Select 4 semester hours of the following: | 4 | |
| Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Biochemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Experiential Courses | ||
| Select 2-4 semester hours of the following: | 2-4 | |
| ACCA: Affiliated Course | ||
| Biology Internship | ||
| Research in Biology | ||
| Senior Capstone Biological Sciences | ||
| Supporting Courses | ||
| Select 12 semester hours of the following: | 12 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 42-44 | |
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
A student who graduates from Aurora University with a baccalaureate degree will have met the following requirements:
- Completion of all requirements for an approved major (with no grades lower than “C”).
- Overall completion of at least 120 semester hours of coursework with a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (a course may be utilized only once in application toward a degree requirement, unless otherwise noted in the academic regulations). The 120 semester hours of coursework must include:
- At least 52 semester hours completed at a senior college.
- Residency Requirement - At least 30 semester hours completed at Aurora University, including the last 24 semester hours in the degree, and including at least 18 semester hours in the major. (Portfolio assessment credit, life and vocational experience credit, off-campus experience credit, examination credit, participation credit, and block credit, shall not count toward the residency requirement).
- Upper-Division Requirement - A minimum of 30 semester hours numbered 3000 or above. Of these 30 semester hours, 15 semester hours must lie within the major and 15 semester hours must be completed at Aurora University.
- Completion of all General Education requirements (with no grades lower than “C”), as follows:
- Quantitative and Formal Reasoning competency requirement
- ENG-1000 Introduction to Academic Writing
- IDS-1200 Discover What Matters or IDS-3040 Global Justice
- IDS-1150 First Year Experience - Not required for Transfer or AU Online students)
- Satisfactory participation in the junior-year mentoring and assessment process designed to guide students to successful completion of their degree and to encourage planning for next steps beyond graduation. (IDS-3500 Junior Mentoring Program I and IDS-3550 Junior Mentoring Program II - Not required for ADC or AU Online students but may be designated electives for AU Online students admitted with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credit.)
- Distribution Requirements
Students will complete one approved course1 from each of the following categories:- Artistic Literacy
- Cultural Literacy
- Human Inquiry
- Scientific Inquiry
In addition to the above, ADC and Online students will also complete one approved course1 from the following category:
- Discovery and Reflection
- 1
Only courses that are approved to meet the distribution requirement can be used toward this requirement. See the list of approved courses for available options. Courses taken to meet distribution requirements are 4 semester hours apiece, with the following exceptions:
- An approved transfer course of at least 2.50 semester hours can be used to satisfy a distribution requirement.
- Courses with co-requisite laboratory components may be used to satisfy a distribution requirement, provided that the student successfully complete both the three-credit-hour course and the single-credit-hour lab component.
Outcome 1: Content and Theories of Biology – students should understand and apply the major concepts, theories, and empirical findings in biology. More specifically, students will be able to demonstrate and understanding of
a. Biological evolution and ecological principles
b. The structure and function of the cell as the fundamental unit of life
c. Genetics, heredity and molecular biology
d. The diversity of life, including classification of the major groups of organisms
e. The role of energy in living organisms and systems
Outcome 2: Research Methods of Biology – Students should understand and be able to use basic research methods in biology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation. More specifically, students will be able to:
a. Analyze biological research studies and draw appropriate conclusions based on data
b. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of experimental design
c. Apply laboratory and/or field techniques common in the biological sciences
d. Demonstrate knowledge of safe practices in the laboratory and/or field
Outcome 3: Biology and Society – Students should understand interrelationships between biology and society. More specifically students will be able to:
a. Describe the real life applications of biological concepts and theories to a target audience
b. Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between biology and other fields of study, such as business, education, math, history, politics, health, medicine, etc.