Undergraduate College

Degree Requirements

The Biology track aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of biology. The required courses cover topics from different areas of biology, including cellular, molecular, genetic, and organismal thus providing a strong foundation. Almost all courses have a laboratory component exposing students to current laboratory techniques and methodologies. Our small class size allows students to get hands on laboratory experience and individual attention from faculty. Classroom and laboratory experiences are supplemented with on and off campus research and internship opportunities. All students are required to participate in one of these experiential learning opportunities in order to apply their knowledge and to further improve on these skills, gain confidence, and increase their scientific knowledge. Furthermore, students that conduct on-campus research with a faculty mentor have the opportunity to present at local scientific meetings and publish their results. Emphasis is given to scientific writing and oral presentation skills, a major component of the capstone senior seminar presentation.

Biology Track Requirements

Major Requirements for a B.A. in Biology, Biology Track

In addition to meeting the course requirements for each respective major, all students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, Biology Track requires 120 credits.

General Education Requirements 57 to 58 credits

Six credits from the Biology major can be applied towards General Education requirements.

Required Courses 40 to 41 credits
BIO-0150 Life Science I and Laboratory, Cell Biology 4 credits
BIO-0155 Life Science I and Laboratory, Organismal Biology 4 credits
BIO-0200 Microbiology and Laboratory 4 credits
BIO-0220 Genetics and Laboratory 4 credits
BIO-0230 Ecology 4 credits
BIO-0245 Anatomy and Physiology 4 credits
BIO-0400 Molecular Genetics 4 credits
BIO-0421 Senior Seminar 3 credits
BIO-0451 Undergraduate Research 3 credits
OR

BIO-0460 Internship 3 credits
Two Biology Electives 6 to 7 credits, chosen from:
BIO-0235 Nutrition 3 credits
BIO-0240 Evolution 3 credits
BIO-0250 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
BIO-0335 Immunology 3 credits
BIO-0340 Virology 3 credits
BIO-0451 Undergraduate Research 3 credits
OR

BIO-0460 Internship 3 credits
Required Supporting Courses 12 credits
CHE-0140 General Chemistry and Laboratory I 4 credits
CHE-0145 General Chemistry and Laboratory II 4 credits
CHE-0230 Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory 4 credits
Recommended Supporting Courses 12 credits
CHE-0235 Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory 4 credits

Physics I and II with Laboratory* 8 credits
*Taken at Villanova University.

Electives

The remaining credit hours are electives and can consist of science courses, but should not be limited to those particular disciplines.

The Environmental Science track provides a strong foundation in the sciences which could then be applied to solve ecological issues which are fundamental to solving ecological issues at a policy and/or social level. Issues relating to protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development continue to be priorities at the local, national, and global levels. Contemporary environmental quality problems include management of biodiversity, air and water pollution, as well as the investigation of the link between human health and environment. Examples of areas that environmental professionals work in include the evaluation and management of resources at governmental and corporate levels, policy and implementation of global warming concerns, scientific and laboratory assessment as well as research opportunities in academia and the non-profit sector. This track promotes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues through both coursework and independent study/internship experience allowing students to address all parameters important in sustainable development.

Environmental Studies Track Requirements

Major Requirements for a B.A. in Biology, Environmental Science Track

In addition to meeting the course requirements for each respective major, all students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, Environmental Science Track requires 120 credits.

General Education Requirements 57 to 58 credits

Six credits from the Biology major can be applied towards General Education requirements.

Required Courses 38 credits
BIO-0150 Life Science I and Laboratory, Cell Biology 4 credits
BIO-0155 Life Science I and Laboratory, Organismal Biology 4 credits
BIO-0200 Microbiology and Laboratory 4 credits
BIO-0220 Genetics and Laboratory 4 credits
BIO-0230 Ecology 4 credits
BIO-0240 Evolution 4 credits
BIO-0421 Senior Seminar 3 credits
BIO-0460 Internship 3 credits

A course in Physiology* 4 credits

*A physiology based course from Villanova University, such as Higher Vertebrates (BIO-3405, 4 credits) or Invertebrate Zoology (BIO-3505, 4 credits), will be required. This course is chosen in conjunction with a student’s academic mentor.

Required Supporting Courses 12 credits
CHE-0140 General Chemistry and Laboratory I 4 credits
CHE-0145 General Chemistry and Laboratory II 4 credits
CHE-0230 Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory 4 credits
Recommended Supporting Courses
PHI-0290 Environmental Ethics 3 credits

Electives

The remaining credit hours are electives and can consist of science courses, but should not be limited to those particular disciplines.
The Pre-Health track aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in post graduate studies. The required courses cover topics from different areas of biology, including cellular, molecular, genetic, and organismal, to provide a strong foundation in the biological sciences. Almost all courses have a laboratory component exposing students to current laboratory techniques and methodologies. Our small class size allows students to get hands on laboratory experience and individual attention from faculty. Classroom and laboratory experiences are supplemented with on and off campus research and internship opportunities. All students are required to participate in one of these experiential learning opportunities in order to apply their knowledge and to further improve on these skills, gain confidence, and increase their scientific knowledge. Furthermore, students that conduct on-campus research with a faculty mentor have the opportunity to present at local scientific meetings and publish their results. Emphasis is given to scientific writing and oral presentation skills, a major component of the capstone senior seminar presentation.

Pre-Health Track Requirements

Major Requirements for the B.A. in Biology, Pre-Health Track

The Biology, Pre-Health Track requires 58 to 59 credits of courses in biology, chemistry and physics. In addition, a course in calculus is strongly recommended for all Biology, Pre-Health majors. All students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, Biology Track requires 120 credits.

General Education Requirements 57 to 58 credits

Six credits from the student’s Biology major can be applied to General Education requirements.

Required Biology Courses 34 to 35 credits
BIO-0150 Life Science I and Laboratory, Cell Biology 4 credits
BIO-0155 Life Science I and Laboratory, Cell Biology 4 credits
BIO-0200 Microbiology and Laboratory 4 credits
BIO-0220 Genetics and Laboratory 4 credits
BIO-0245 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
BIO-0250 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
BIO-0400 Molecular Genetics 4 credits
BIO-0421 Senior Seminar 3 credits
BIO-0450 Undergraduate Research 3 credits
OR

BIO-0460 Internship 3 credits
One Biology Elective 3 or 4 credits, chosen from:
BIO-0230 Ecology 4 credits
BIO-0235 Nutrition 3 credits
BIO-0240 Evolution 3 credits
BIO-0335 Immunology 3 credits
BIO-0450 Undergraduate Research 3 credits
OR

BIO-0460 Internship 3 credits
Required Supporting Courses 24 credits
CHE-0140 General Chemistry and Laboratory I 4 credits
CHE-0145 General Chemistry and Laboratory II 4 credits
CHE-0230 Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory 4 credits
CHE-0235 Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory 4 credits

Physics I and II with Lab* 8 credits
*Taken at Villanova. Carries a math prerequisite.

Recommended Supporting Course 3 credits
MAT-0120Calculus I3 credits
All courses listed above must be completed by the end of the student’s junior year. It is recommended that students complete their English requirements (College Writing and Advanced Composition and Oral Communication) in their first year at Rosemont.

Electives

The remaining credit hours are electives and can consist of science courses, but should not be limited to those particular disciplines.