The biology department offers courses for students majoring in the biological sciences, as well as for those interested in fulfilling the science General Education requirement. The biology department aims to provide biology students with a foundation in the biological sciences through the study of living organisms at the cellular, molecular, genetic, and gross anatomical levels and their relationship with their environment. The biology major is prepared to undertake graduate study, professional training in the medical sciences and allied health fields, teaching at the secondary level, or employment in an industry concerned with the biological sciences. The biology major offers three tracks: the Biology track, the Environmental Science track, and the Pre-Health track. Within the Pre-Health track, there are special programs offered through partnerships with Drexel University School of Medicine, Temple University School of Dentistry, and Villanova University for Nursing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Electives

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

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.

*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.

Electives

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.

Electives

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

Special Programs: Biology

Students planning to attend programs at other institutions are advised to contact the school they intend to transfer to and obtain a complete list of prerequisites for that particular institution. Rosemont will work with you to tailor your program of study to meet as many of that institution’s prerequisites as is possible.

Drexel University College of Medicine

Admission Requirements

3+4 Program and Early Assurance (4+4 Program)
Students in either the 3+4 or the Early Assurance Program should follow Rosemont College’s B.A. in Biology and working with their academic mentor they should choose the appropriate supporting courses from available science courses that are relevant to a career in medicine.

Temple University School of Dentistry

3+4 Program
Applicants must complete at least one year of English, one year of Biology, one year of Organic Chemistry, one year of Inorganic Chemistry, and one year of Physics with the associated laboratories by the end of their junior year. The Rosemont student will declare a science major (either Biology or Chemistry). Students should plan to carry 18 credits a semester after their first semester at Rosemont.

Senior year requirements are satisfied on completion of the first year curriculum of dental school at Temple University School of Dentistry, at which time the baccalaureate degree is conferred upon qualified students.

Minor Requirements, Biology Track

Minor Requirements, Environmental Science Track

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.

BIO-S110 Biology, Service Learning
In conjunction with General Education and major course offerings, students will engage in service learning experiences that develop a clear link between the study of biology in the classroom and real issues that affect one's community. This course includes a separate discussion and reflective writing exercise. 1 credit.

BIO-0115 Science for Life
A non-majors scientific literacy course that explores the science behind important issues facing society today. Discover “your inner scientist” by reading and understanding science articles in the popular press and learn how to make informed decisions about everyday situations. 3 credits. This course fulfills the Developing the Core/Science requirement in the Undergraduate College’s General Education program.

BIO-0130 Science Issues (Biology)
A study of the biological principles, concepts, and related current scientific issues that will offer the opportunity to develop an understanding of science in relation to technological advances and effects on society. Emphasis will be placed on health-related topics. Students who would like to major in Biology, Nursing, or a related health field, and who do not place into College Algebra, MAT-0115, must first take this course and its associated one credit laboratory and earn a B or higher grade before enrolling in BIO-0150 and BIO-L150. 3 credits. This course fulfills the Developing the Core/Science requirement in the Undergraduate College’s General Education program. 

BIO-0131 Science Issues Laboratory (Biology)
Laboratory to accompany Science Issues lecture, BIO-0130. Includes the studies of cells, metabolism, Mendelian genetics, animal development, and plant diversity. Students who would like to major in Biology, Nursing, or a related health field, and who do not place into College Algebra, MAT-0115, must first take this course and its associated one credit laboratory and earn a B or higher grade before enrolling in BIO-0150 and BIO-L150. 1 credit.

BIO-0150 Life Science I (Cell Biology)
Introductory course into the cellular structure with emphasis on the cell cycle, genetics, and cellular metabolism. Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: High School Biology, High School Chemistry, and Placement into MAT-0115 or a higher level math class, or a grade of B or higher in BIO-0130. Offered fall semester. 4 credits. This course fulfills the Developing the Core/Science requirement in the Undergraduate College’s General Education program.

BIO-0155 Life Science II (Organismal Biology)
Insights into the phenomenon of life through the examination of the basic problems of plant and animal biology, with special emphasis on organ systems, anatomy, physiology, plant biology, ecology, and evolution. Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: AP Biology score of 4, BIO-0150, or its equivalent. Offered spring semester. 4 credits. This course fulfills the Developing the Core/Science requirement in the Undergraduate College’s General Education program.

BIO-0200 Microbiology
A study of the structure, life cycles, physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and genetics of the major groups of microorganisms, as well as microbe-human interactions, infection, disease, and immunity. The laboratory component emphasizes methods in culturing, staining, and determining physiological reactions of representative organisms. Prerequisites: AP Biology score of 5 or BIO-0150, BIO-0155, and BIO-0220 or Permission of Instructor. Offered spring semester. 4 credits.

BIO-0220 Genetics and Laboratory
A study of elementary principles governing Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance as they pertain to chromosomes, mapping, recombination, and mutation in eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory component includes experiments dealing with Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, probability, Chi-square testing, mutation, karyotyping, and molecular genetics. Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: AP Biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0155 or Permission of Instructor. Offered fall semester. 4 credits.

BIO-0230 Ecology and Laboratory
A study of the fundamental inter-relationships between plants and animals and their living and non-living environment. Includes laboratory and field experience. Prerequisites: AP Biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0155 and CHE-0140, CHE-0145 or Permission of Instructor. Offered spring semester. 4 credits.

BIO-0235 Nutrition
This course is a study of food and its importance for sustaining life as well as its impact on health. Students will develop an understanding of the various nutrient classes and their actions within the human body for the maintenance of homeostasis. Case study analysis of diseased states resulting from nutritional imbalances will be employed to further emphasize the role of nutrition in normal physiological functioning. Students will use their newly acquired nutritional knowledge to evaluate their own diets as well as physical activity levels and then make recommendations for improvement. Additional topics to be covered include: nutrition throughout the life cycle, food safety, and global nutrition. No Prerequisite. Offered spring semester. 3 credits.

BIO-0240 Evolution
An introduction to modern evolutionary theory, emphasizing speciation in general and in humans in particular. Supporting evidence derived from paleontology, biogeography, taxonomy, embryology, comparative anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. Prerequisites: AP Biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0155 or Permission of Instructor. Offered every other year, spring semester. 3 credits.

BIO-0243 Forensic Anthropology
Theories, research, and methods/practices of Forensic Anthropology will be discussed. Topics include crime detection; forensic context and recovery methods; initial treatment and examination of evidence; forensic attributions (ancestry, age, and sex); trauma study; pathological conditions and skeletal malies; post-mortem analysis and other aspects of individualization; record keeping and utilization; forensic ethics; testimony (preparation/presentation of evidence in legal and other settings). This course is cross-listed with BIO-0243. No Prerequisite. 3 credits.

BIO-0245 Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I and Laboratory
A comparative systematic study of vertebrate anatomy and physiology with laboratory focusing on form through individual gross dissection of major anatomical systems in representative specimens, and lecture emphasizing integration and function of body systems. The origin of vertebrate classes will be discussed, highlighting homology, and the interplay of anatomical form and physiological function. Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: AP Biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0155 or Permission of Instructor; AP Chemistry or CHE-0100 and CHE-0105. Offered fall semester. 4 credits.

BIO-0250 Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II and Laboratory
A continuation of Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I. This course is a comparative systematic study of the following vertebrate anatomy and physiology organ systems: endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, and the urinary system. The lab will involve dissection of all of the above organ systems. Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: BIO-0245 or Permission of Instructor; AP Chemistry or CHE-0100 and CHE-0105. Offered spring semester. 4 credits.

BIO-0305 Vertebrate Embryology
A study of the basic principles of vertebrate developmental anatomy, physiology, and molecular genetics. The laboratory component includes studies of sections of frog, chick, and pig embryos and of living chick embryos. Prerequisites: AP Biology, BIO-0150, BIO-0155, or Permission of Instructor. Offered every other year, spring semester. 4 credits.

BIO-0335 Immunology
A course providing a basic understanding of cellular and humoral immunity, theories of the structure and the function of antibodies, antibody formation, antibody specificity, active and passive immunity, and hypersensitivity. Prerequisites: AP Biology or BIO-0150, BIO-0155, BIO-0200, BIO-0220 or Permission of Instructor; AP chemistry or CHE-0100, CHE-0105. Offered every other year, fall semester. 3 credits.

BIO-0340 Virology
An examination of the structure and replication of viruses, the epidemiology and pathogenesis of viral infections, and their diagnosis and control. Prerequisites: AP Biology or BIO-0150, BIO-0155, BIO-0200, BIO-0220 or Permission of Instructor; AP Chemistry or CHE-0100, CHE-0105. Offered every other year, fall semester. 3 credits.

BIO-0400 Molecular Genetics and Laboratory
A review of the history, scientific methodology, and principles of molecular genetics. Topics will include DNA (replication, mutation, and recombination), RNA (transcription, translation, genetic code, and protein-synthesizing apparatus), gene regulation, and molecular evolution. The laboratory includes experiments dealing with cloning, gel electrophoresis, Southern and Western blotting, PCR, and ELISA. Prerequisites: AP Biology or BIO-0150, BIO-0155, BIO-0220 or Permission of Instructor; AP Chemistry or CHE-0100 and CHE-0105. Offered spring semester. 4 credits.

BIO-0420 Special Topics in Biology
This course covers current issues and hot topics in the biological sciences. Prerequisites: Senior Biology Major Status or Permission of Instructor. Offered as needed. 1, 2 or 3 credits.

BIO-0421 Senior Seminar
A seminar based on the presentation of papers on current biological topics followed by discussion. Prerequisite: Senior Biology Major Status. Offered spring semester. 3 credits.

BIO-0450 Undergraduate Research
This course provides an opportunity to participate in various research projects under the direction of a member of the biology faculty. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Biology Major Status and Permission of Discipline Chair. 1, 2 or 3 credits. This course fulfills the Enacting the Core/Experiential Learning requirement in the Undergraduate College’s General Education program.

BIO-0455 Independent Study
This course provides an opportunity for students to study current topics in biology under the direction of a member of the biology faculty. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Biology Major Status and Permission of Discipline Chair. 1, 2 or 3 credits.

BIO-0460 Internship
This course involves supervised work experience, usually at a research site or university research laboratory. The type and period of work as well as the means of evaluation will be arranged by the on-site research supervisor in consultation with the student’s mentor. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Biology Major Status. 1 to 3 credits.

Your Undergraduate Program of Study

At Rosemont, you will benefit by meeting faculty and academic staff that will work with you to help you prepare for medical school. This mentoring begins with your First Year seminar instructor, and continues throughout your academic major.

In general, medical schools require the following science courses:

However, at Rosemont we believe this list will not give you the edge you need to be competitive when applying to medical school. Therefore we also ask you to take courses in Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy, and Physiology (I and II), and even recommend a semester of Calculus, regardless of what discipline you choose to major in.

First Year

In order to get all your requirements in, you need to begin taking your science courses your first semester at Rosemont. You should be enrolled in Life Science I, General Chemistry I and a math course at or above the level of College Algebra. These are tough classes and you need to keep your GPA up. Go to review sessions, attend study groups, and ask for tutoring. Get to know the professors teaching your classes. They will be your mentors and they may well be the faculty members writing letters of recommendation for you as you apply to medical school. You will also begin taking courses that fulfill general education requirements during your first year at Rosemont. If you qualified for the Honors Program, take those general education courses. Strive for Freshman Honors. You also need to get involved in campus life; consider joining a club, playing a sport or volunteering on campus. Meet with the Coordinator of Experiential Learning and your faculty mentor to discuss opportunities to volunteer at a clinic or to shadow a physician.

Summer

Volunteer at a clinic, shadow a practicing physician. Keep a journal of your experiences. Don’t identify any patients (remember HIPPA rules) but keep a record of what you have seen, reflect on your experiences and comment on how this experience has changed you. This journal can prove invaluable as you complete your application to medical school.

Sophomore Year

Keep taking classes that fulfill requirements. If you decided to participate in Rosemont’s Honors Program, sign up for an honors seminar. Take a service learning class. Consider taking a one-credit student leadership course. Medical schools consider leadership potential in their applicants! Continue to build your participation in campus community. If you are considering study abroad during your junior or senior year now is the time to start to plan for this experience. This will help you stay on track with your science courses.

Summer

Volunteer at a clinic, shadow a practicing physician, get involved in a research project or consider an internship. Keep writing in your journal.

Junior Year

Keep taking classes that fulfill requirements. If you decided to participate in Rosemont’s Honors Program, sign up for an honors seminar and make sure you are taking courses in your major for honors as well. (We don’t do this until senior year) Narrow down the list of medical schools you will be applying to. Ask faculty to write letters of recommendation for you. Take the MCAT exam in the spring semester. If you are considering applying for a NSF REU summer research program, start researching the programs and where you would like to go in the fall semester. Make sure you meet the spring application dates.

Summer

Get involved in a research project or consider a summer internship at a clinic. Keep writing in your journal. Depending on your MCAT scores, you may consider taking the MCAT exam a second time in the summer. If you are planning to attend medical school right after graduation, now is the time to start your applications. Make sure someone reads your personal statement or admissions essay.

Senior Year

Good luck! Your interviews for medical school will start later in the fall semester. Finish up all the requirements for your major. Start working with your faculty mentor to formulate the project for your senior thesis and present your senior thesis project to your fellow classmates. Plan to graduate from the Undergraduate College at Rosemont.

What do Medical Schools Want from their Applicants?

Different medical schools and different programs within the school have different expectations for the students who will be entering their programs. You need to research the particular schools and the particular programs you will be applying to when you start college so you are sure you are meeting all requirements for the programs you want to apply to.

Schools that offer professional degrees in the medical fields want to see:

• Excellence in your classes as evidenced by your grades.­
• Clinical Experience. That is why volunteering at a clinic or working in one over the summer is so important.
• ­Service. Show how you have helped others, how you have reflected on your service project, and how it has influenced you.
• Leadership. Be able to show that you are a whole person and that you have been involved on campus and in your community.
• ­Research. While not a requirement for medical schools, undergraduate research is becoming more common among students who are applying to medical schools. Get involved in a research project either at Rosemont or in a summer research program such as the REU programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Medical schools want to know that you understand what a life in medicine is all about.

It doesn’t matter what you major in as an undergraduate. You need to meet the requirements set out by Rosemont and the programs you are thinking about applying to.

On a personal level, your behavior while in college is important. Avoid situations that can lead to disciplinary actions by the college or legal troubles. If you make a mistake, be prepared to show how you have learned from that situation. Also, make sure your facebook page, your personal website, and your twitter account are all appropriate for a potential employer (the medical schools you will be applying to) to view. Also, make sure your voicemail message, email signatures, login names, etc. are all professional.

Applying to Medical School

You should begin your application to medical school or dental school the summer between your junior and senior years in college. That means, taking the MCATS or DATS in the spring of your junior year.

If you are thinking about applying to a physician’s assistant or physical therapy program, you would begin those applications in the fall of your senior year. You can take the PCAT or GRE exam either over the summer between your junior and senior years or in the fall of your senior year.

At most U.S. medical schools, your MCAT scores are given as much weight as your GPA Moreover, if there is a discrepancy between your MCAT scores and your GPA, the tendency is to give your MCAT scores more weight.

Successful applicants will meet the following standards:

• Completion of an academically rigorous program.
• Strong and consistent grades, especially in science courses.
• Good MCAT, DAT, PCAT or GRE scores.
• Research.
• A clear and concise personal essay.
• Integrity.
• Personal discipline.
• Compassion.
• Leadership skills.
• Cultural competence.
• Psychological maturity.
• Volunteer work, especially in health care.
• Clinical Experience
• Solid recommendations.
• Hobbies and campus or community activities.