Biology, BS

Program Codes: BIOL-BS; BIOL+SSCH (Biology, BS w/Secondary Science Education Certificate)

Students may choose a general bachelor of science (BS) degree in biology or they may choose a specialized bachelor of science degree program that is referred to as a track.  For Biology, our bachelor of science tracks include Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology, Conservation, and Evolutionary Biology; Honors Biology; Pre-medical Biology; and Pre-veterinary Biology.  Please refer to the specific Biology degree programs for detailed distribution of credits, curricular requirements, and interdisciplinary opportunities. Note that students who pursue the Pre-medical or Pre-veterinary Track must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 after their third semester in the program to continue in that concentration. All students, including transfer students, must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to transfer into the Pre-medical or Pre- veterinary Track after their third semester.  The general bachelor of science degree program in biology is designed to provide a flexible but in-depth survey of the biological sciences along with a strong background in chemistry and mathematics. This program allows the student (in consultation with their advisor) to mold their coursework in biology to match the student’s goals while also allowing the pursuit of knowledge in other disciplines.

Within any track, students have the opportunity to apply up to six credits of controlled electives along with any of their free electives credits towards a minor.  This minor could be within the Biology department or from a related field of interest. Note that free electives are applied to a student’s overall degree, but not directly to the requirements of one’s major whereas controlled electives are also required by the major.  With proper selections from among controlled and free electives, a student could readily pursue a minor from a variety fields such as: applied statistics, biochemistry, chemistry, geography, geoscience, mathematics, physics, psychology, public health, sustainability and more. Students should discuss the possibilities of pursuing a specific minor with their advisor as early as possible.

The department also offers a Secondary Science Education Certificate* for students interested in teaching. Completion of the Certificate in Secondary Science Teaching requirements as part of their BS in Biology program prepares students to become certified middle- and high-school teachers in Pennsylvania and other states. Biology teachers in grades 7 to 12 teach subjects that require a broad and solid foundation in Biology, as well as other sciences and mathematics. Courses in the foundations of education and pedagogy complement the subject matter studies. Students create and present lessons, first in their courses and then in school classrooms, culminating in the student teaching experience in the final semester.

Interdisciplinary Dual Baccalaureate: BS Biology/Pre-medical Track and BS Medical Technology This dual baccalaureate is an interdisciplinary, collaborative program between two colleges to meet work force demands and provide viable career options to our post baccalaureate students. Allied Health Professions Programs Coordinator of the College of Health and Human Services will collaborate with Biology faculty and help academically to advise students in the dual baccalaureate program.

The curricular structure in the dual Bachelor of Science degree in BS Biology/Pre-medical Track and BS Medical Technology would be a natural fit for students seeking to work as a medical technologist in a clinical, laboratory, or biotechnology setting. This program would also benefit students seeking employment experience prior to medical or graduate school admissions.

Students with a GPA of 3.0 and above enrolled in the BS Medical Technology/BS Biology-Pre- medical dual degree programs would be eligible to apply for a one year of clinical experience with an affiliated, hospital-based schools of Medical Technology. Areas of instruction will be consistent with requirements of the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Following training the students will qualify for the national certification examination. Successful results on this examination will lead to certification as professionally qualified medical technologist/clinical laboratory scientist.

Upon completion of the clinical training at an articulated clinical affiliate, IUP will grant 30 credits that which will be applied to the student’s transcript towards their Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. Qualified students in this program would have completed a minimum of 150 credits, to receive a Dual Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-medical Concentration and Medical Technology along with Certification to work as a professionally qualified medical technologist.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Paramedic Certification: The Department of Biology has entered into a collaborative credit transfer agreement to allow our students to obtain credit by completing the EMR, EMT, or Paramedic programs of the Institute for Rural Health and Safety and the Department of Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Science. Please contact the Biology office for details on course schedules, substituting Biology courses for these credits, and the certification criteria for these clock hour programs.

Pre-medical and Pre-veterinary Advisory Committee: Pre-medical and Pre-veterinary Track Biology students interested in applying to professional schools are generally required to submit a committee letter that addresses student skills and academic preparation. Biology committee members will perform mock interviews for Biology students pursuing professional training, and author committee recommendations and professional school evaluation letters on behalf of Biology students, with specific focus upon individual student achievements and curricular training. The goals of this advisory committee are as follows:

1. Streamline and guide student undergraduate and professional preparation
2. Improve communication, collaboration, and engagement among faculty advisors and students
3. Build stronger relationships between current students, faculty, and alumni through mentorships, internships, and business partnerships.