Major Courses | Minor Courses | Cert. in Second. Ed

Carlow University's biology curriculum takes an innovative approach to preparing students for their future careers. Not only does it give students a solid foundation across the entire breadth of biology, but it also affords themample opportunity to delve deep within their chosen specialty in order to prepare for a successful career in one of biology’s many fields.

The curriculum begins with a three-semester series of Foundations and Experimental Methods courses that cover the entire scope of the biological sciences. The objective of the introductory course sequence is to establish a strong foundation of content knowledge across the breadth of Biology prior to advanced courses and to establish fundamental skills in scientific inquiry and in the experimental methods central to each Biology field.

Upon completion of the Foundations and Experimental Methods courses, students are encouraged to select one of three concentrations patterned after broad areas of employment within the biological sciences:

• Molecular/cell biology and biotechnology
• Human biology
• Organismal and ecological biology

Biology Major

* Foundations and Experimental Methods courses

+ Five advanced biology electives are required from among the three concentration areas, with at least one elective chosen from outside the student’s designated area of concentration. Requirements for B.S. in Biology with a Concentration: All of the requirements for a B.S. in Biology are described above. In addition, at least three of the five electives must be taken within a single concentration area. At least two of the electives plus Junior Seminar and Senior Experience must be taken in residence at Carlow University.

Required Support Courses: Five semesters of chemistry (CHM 111, CHM 112, CHM 221, CHM 222, and CHM 306), two semesters of physics (PCS 201 and PCS 202) and mathematics through calculus I (MAT 152) are required.

• All Biology Course Descriptions
• Other Biology Programs at Carlow

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Biology Minor

A minor in biology positions graduates in such fields as professional writing, business management, communications, psychology, and social work for positions within organizations in the medical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.

Requirements for Biology Minor: The three Foundations (BIO 110, BIO 120, and BIO 130) and Experimental Methods (BIO 111, BIO 121, and BIO 131) courses, or their transferred equivalents, plus two advanced Biology electives are required for the Biology minor. At least two of these courses must be taken in residence at Carlow University.

Certification in Secondary Education in Biology
Candidates must satisfy all requirements of the BS degree in biology. The biology electives will be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor to represent all three concentration areas. We recommend taking two additional courses in the earth and space sciences for students interested in General Science certification. Students are also required to serve as laboratory assistants for one semester to receive training in laboratory design, development, and evaluation. Students must also meet the requirements for Secondary Education Certification outlined by the School of Education.

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