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 | Biology of Cells and Biology of Cells Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-1220 & 1220Z | Biology of Organisms and Biology of Organisms Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-2300 & 2300Z | Introduction to Zoology and Introduction to Zoology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-2350 & 2350Z | Introduction to Botany and Introduction to Botany Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO-3400 | Genetics | 4 |
| Support Courses | ||
| CHM-1310 & 1310Z | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM-1320 & 1320Z | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| Selected Courses | ||
| Select 12 semester hours of the following: | 12 | |
| Immunology | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Vertebrate Zoology | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Biological Anthropology | ||
| Biochemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Biochemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Other courses that may be used up to a maximum of four semester hours from this group: | ||
| ACCA: Affiliated Course | ||
| Directed Study in Biology | ||
| Directed Study in Biology | ||
| Biology Internship | ||
| Biology Internship | ||
| Research in Biology | ||
| Independent Study in Biology | ||
| Independent Study in Biology | ||
| Total Credits | 40 | |
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 GWC-1000 or IDS-3040 Global Justice
- IDS-1150 First Year Experience or GWC-4000 - 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)
- 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:
- Integration and Application
| 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:
|
Learning Outcomes
- Content and Theories – Students should understand the major concepts, theories, and empirical findings in their discipline.
- Research Methods – Students will use basic research methods, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Science and Society – Students will determine the responsibility of professionals in their field to themselves and society by applying ethical solutions within the context of societal challenges in their discipline.
- Information Competence - Students should demonstrate information competence with traditional and computer-based library systems to facilitate the study of biology.
- Professional Communication – Students will be able to communicate effectively in professional writing and oral presentation.