2025-26 Undergraduate Catalog
Biology, BS
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Our general BS in Biology is the most flexible degree option offered by the Biology Department. It provides a comprehensive foundation in the biological sciences, along with strong support in chemistry and mathematics. This program is ideal for students who want to tailor their biology coursework to align with their individual interests and career goals.
In consultation with their advisor, students can customize their course selections and also explore additional academic interests by pursuing a minor or double major in other departments. With careful planning, students can easily add complementary fields such as applied statistics, biochemistry, chemistry, earth and environmental science, geographic information science and planning, mathematics, physics, psychology, public health, sustainability, and more. Early advising is recommended to ensure a smooth path toward any additional credentials.
Students interested in teaching can pursue our Certificate in Secondary Science Education alongside the General BS in Biology. This certificate prepares students for middle and high school teaching certification in Pennsylvania and many other states. The curriculum includes foundational coursework in education and pedagogy, as well as hands-on teaching experience. Students will develop and present lessons in both university courses and real classroom settings, culminating in a student teaching placement during their final semester.
For students with more targeted career goals, we offer additional BS degree tracks in:
- Pre-Medical Studies
- Pre-Veterinary Studies
- Cell and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Ecology, Conservation, and Evolution
Each of these programs includes specific coursework designed to prepare students for advanced study or careers in these specialized fields.
Through a partnership with the Institute for Rural Health and Safety, the Biology Department offers a credit transfer opportunity for students completing Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Paramedic certification programs. Students may earn university credit for these certifications and, with approval, apply them toward Biology degree requirements. For more details on course schedules, credit transfer, and certification criteria, please contact the Biology Department office.
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Crimson Core:40-42cr
As outlined in the Crimson Core Requirements with the following specifications:
Crimson Core Written Communication, Human and Creative Inquiry, Values and Ethics, and Quantitative Reasoning require a C or better for the Secondary Science Education Teaching Certificate only. Written Communication: 3cr
*required for students pursuing Secondary Science Teaching Certificate.
Quantitative Reasoning & Data Analysis: 3-4cr
Students complete a general BS-Biology option should take MATH 121 (4cr). Students that are pursuing Secondary Science Teaching Certificate will complete MATH 105.
Human & Creative Inquiry: 3cr
*required for students pursuing Secondary Science Teaching Certificate.
Scientific Reasoning: 4cr
Values & Ethics: 3cr
*required for students pursuing Secondary Science Teaching Certificate.
Crimson Core Electives: 7cr
Required Biology Core: 12cr
Biology Major Electives: 24cr (200-level or above)
Majors courses only (200-level or above). No more than 6cr total from Special Topics (BIOL 481), Independent Study (BIOL 482), or Internship (BIOL 493) applies to major; excess applied as free electives. A minimum of 12cr must be in courses at the 300-400 level. No more than 4cr can come from 100-level courses. Excluding prerequisite, cognate, Crimson Core, college core courses, no more than two majors’ courses can be shared between a major and minor.
Controlled Electives: 24cr
Student must fullfill one of the options (select one): Option 1 BS-Biology Requirements: - CHEM 231 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
- CHEM 351 - Biochemistry Credits / Units: 3
- Courses from the following prefixes at the 200-level or above (ANTH, BIOC, BIOL, CHEM, CMSC, ENVE, GEOG, GEOS, MATH, PHYS, PUBH, PSYC, REPL, SAFE). Additional approved course: COSC 105, 110; CRIM 374; ECON 121, 122; GNSC 115; MATH 121, 122, 171; PHIL 270, 330; PHYS 111, 121, 112, 122, 151. Credits / Units: 17
OR
Option 2 Secondary Science Education Certificate: - Complete Secondary Science Education Certificate
- GEOS Elective (200 level or higher) 3cr
- Physics Elective (choose a lecture and lab combination) PHYS 111 and 121 OR PHYS 151 and GNSC 115 Credits / Units: 4cr
CHEM 351 - Biochemistry Credits / Units: 3 Option 2: Complete Secondary Science Education Certificate GEOS Elective (200 level or higher) 3cr Physics Elective (choose a lecture and lab combination) PHYS 111 and 121 OR PHYS 151 and GNSC 115 Credits / Units: 4cr - CHEM 231 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4
Option 1: Courses from the following prefixes at the 200-level or above (ANTH, BIOC, BIOL, CHEM, CMSC, ENVE, GEOG, GEOS, MATH, PHYS, PUBH, PSYC, REPL, SAFE). Additional approved course: COSC 105, 110; CRIM 374; ECON 121, 122; GNSC 115; MATH 121, 122, 171; PHIL 270, 330; PHYS 111, 121, 112, 122, 151. Credits / Units: 17 OR
Free Electives: 18-20cr
The courses may be used to complete a dual degree or minor.
Total Degree Requirements: 120
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Return to: Programs of Study
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