BA in Biology: Biology Track
Understand Your World with a Biology Concentration
The Biology track covers topics from different areas of biology, including cell and molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology and ecology. Almost all courses have a laboratory component that teaches you current laboratory techniques and methodologies. Our small classes foster a close learning community where you will get hands-on laboratory experience with individual attention from faculty who will help you get the most from these experiences. At Rosemont, you’ll also get opportunities to pursue on- and off-campus research where you’ll apply what you’ve learned, hone your skills, gain confidence, and increase your scientific knowledge. Students who conduct on-campus research with a faculty advisor have the opportunity to present at local scientific meetings and publish their results-- an important set of skills for any scientist.
Do you want to be a teacher? If you are considering a career in science education, Rosemont will get you ready for teacher certification for grades 7-12. In addition to your required classes for your degree, you will take a specific set of Education courses that are designed to prepare to take the teacher certification exam. If you choose this path, advisors from each discipline will work together to support you and ensure you’re meeting all the criteria to become a certified science teacher. View course requirements.
Get the Most from Your Rosemont Education
Students in the Biology concentration can pursue an advanced degree through Rosemont’s joint programs with Drexel University ACE (Accelerated Career Entry) Program for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Salus University’s Master of Occupational Therapy Program. Students interested in these joint programs work closely with their academic advisor to complete the appropriate courses and meet all the program requirements.
Why Study Biology at Rosemont?
Rosemont believes in combining hands-on experience with coursework in your field to deepen your understanding of the content and best prepare you for the job market. Your internship or research project with a professor are designed to ensure that you’ve practiced research techniques. You will also learn to present papers and lead discussion on current biological topics as part of your Senior Seminar- crucial skills for any science career.
At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, the ability to communicate effectively is a cornerstone of success. That’s why you’ll have learning experiences focused on a foundation in scientific writing and oral communication that will support your success in any science profession. We prepares all ourstudents to build a career based on sound leadership, ethics, and communication that combine with a strong command of science.
Look Forward to a Successful Future
Many Biology majors go on to pursue advanced degrees after completing their program at Rosemont. For those who choose to enter the workforce right away, some careers you can pursue include:
- Lab technician
- Biological technician
- Biochemist
- Health communications specialist
- Biology teacher
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Agricultural and food scientist
- Microbiologist
- Science writer
Degree Requirements for a BA in Biology, Biology Track
Students must complete 120 credits to earn an undergraduate degree in Biology.
General Education Requirements (57-58 credits)
In addition to meeting the course requirements for the Biology major and concentration, all students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. Student may apply 9 credits from their major toward these requirements.
Senior Comprehensive Policy
All Biology majors must take the ETS major field test for Biology and receive a passing grade. Biology majors must also take BIO 0421 Senior Seminar.
Required Courses for a Biology Major (60-61 Credits)
The Biology Track requires 52-53 credits for students that place into College Algebra (MAT 0115). Students that do not place into College Algebra are required to take 60-61 credits.
Required Classes (38-42 Credits)
Introductory course into the cellular structure with emphasis on the cell cycle, genetics, and cellular metabolism. Prerequisites: High school biology and high school chemistry and placement into MAT 0115 or a level higher math class, or a grade of C- or higher in BIO 0130, BIO 0131, CHE-0130, and CHE-0131. (3 Credits)
An introductory laboratory, to accompany BIO 0150, examining cellular structure with emphasis on the cell cycle, genetics, and cellular metabolism. (1 Credit)
Insights into the diversity of life by comparing the biology of organisms on different branches of the tree of life. Emphasis is on understanding evolutionary relationships among plants and animals by focusing on comparative anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Prerequisites: AP biology score of 4, BIO 0150 and BIO 0151 with a minimum grade of C. (3 Credits)
An introductory laboratory, to accompany BIO 0155, examining the diversity of life. Emphasis is on understanding plant and animal biology, ecology and evolution. (1 Credit)
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. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO 0150, BIO 0155, and BIO 0220 or POI. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0200, Microbiology. The laboratory component emphasizes methods in culturing, staining, and determining physiological reactions of representative organisms. (1 Credit)
A study of elementary principles governing Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance as they pertain to chromosomes, mapping, recombination, and mutation in eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0151. (3 Credits)
Lab experience, to accompany BIO-0220, Genetics. The laboratory component includes experiments dealing with Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, probability, Chi-square testing, mutation, karyotyping, and molecular genetics. (1 Credit)
A study of the fundamental inter-relationships between plants and animals and their living and non-living environment. Includes laboratory and field experience. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0230, Ecology. (1 Credit)
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. Offered every other year, spring semester. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0151. (3 Credits)
The laboratory accompanies the lecture course Evolution (BIO 0240). Laboratory studies include modeling and experiments of evolutionary processes, systematics and classification of organisms, observations of structural and functional adaptations important to diverse groups of organisms and deducing patterns of descent from morphological and molecular data. (1 Credit)
A systematic study of human 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. Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO 0150, BIO 0155, or POI; AP chemistry or CHE 0142 and CHE 0145. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0245, Anatomy and Physiology I. It includes gross dissection, histology and multimedia. (1 Credit)
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. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150, BIO-0155, BIO-0220 or POI; AP chemistry or CHE-0142 and CHE-0143. Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0400, Molecular Genetics. (1 Credit)
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)
Biology Elective Courses (6-7 credits)
Choose two classes from the following list.
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. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: BIO-0150 General Biology I; BIO-0155 General Biology II is not a prerequisite but is highly recommended; POI.
(3 Credits)
A continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. This course is a systematic study of the following anatomy and physiology organ systems: endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system and the urinary system. Prerequisites: BIO 0245 or POI; AP chemistry or CHE 0142 and CHE 0145. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0250, Anatomy & Physiology II. (1 Credit)
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 POI; AP chemistry or CHE-0142, CHE-0143. Offered every other year, fall semester. (3 Credits)
An examination of the structure and replication of viruses and 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 POI; AP chemistry or CHE-0142, CHE-0143. Offered every other year, fall semester. (3 Credits)
This is an upper level biology course for majors that focuses on oceanography, diversity and functioning of different marine ecosystems, biology of marine organisms, and threats to the ocean environment. General ecological principles as they apply to the marine environment will be highlighted. Requirements: Field trip. Prerequisites: BIO 0150, BIO 0155, CHE 0142, CHE 0145, and either BIO 0230 or BIO 0240; or permission of instructor. Offered: As needed . (3 Credits)
Required Supporting Courses (8-12 Credits)
In this course, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills that are necessary to advance in the biology major. You will develop the ability to study biology effectively and to think critically about relevant biological concepts. You will study cells & cellular processes, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, ecology and evolution. Students who do not place into College Algebra, MAT- 0115 or a higher-level math course must first take this course and its associated one-credit laboratory before enrolling in BIO 150 General Biology I. Prerequisite: none. (3 Credits)
Laboratory that accompanies and is a corequisite to the General Biology Fundamentals Lecture (BIO-0130). In this course, you will develop laboratory skills necessary for advancement in the biology major. You will practice microscopy, measuring with laboratory tools, dissection, and data analysis and interpretation. You will investigate important biological concepts presented in lecture by doing inquiry-based laboratory exercises. (1 Credit)
A study of the foundational concepts in chemistry and the basis of the physical and chemical properties of matter. Topics covered include atomic structure, the Periodic Table, physical and chemical properties, and reaction stoichiometry. Prerequisite: Placement into College Algebra MAT-0115 or a level higher math course. Students should enroll concurrently in lecture and lab. Permission of the instructor is needed just to take the lecture course. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, General Chemistry I. (1 Credit)
An in-depth study of intermolecular forces, solutions, colligative properties, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Prerequisites: AP Chemistry credit or CHE 0142. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, General Chemistry II. (1 Credit)
Recommended Supporting Courses (16 credits)
A systematic study of the structure, properties, and reactions of aliphatic compounds, including reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and synthetic applications. Prerequisites: AP chemistry credit or CHE-0145. Offered fall semester. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, Organic Chemistry I. (1 Credit)
A further study of organic molecules including aromatic as well as aliphatic compounds. Emphasis is on reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications. Prerequisite: CHE-0230. Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience, Organic Chemistry II. (1 Credit)
Newtonian mechanics; mass, velocity and acceleration; force and work; motion in a line and plane; gravitation; kinetic and potential energy; impulse and momentum, rotation; periodic motion; fluids; heat and temperature; gases, liquids and solids; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic theory; wave and acoustics. Prerequisite: MAT 0120. Usually offered in fall. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience. (1 Credit)
Electricity and magnetism; electric charge and potential; Coulomb's law; capacitance; current and resistance; Ohm's law; direct current circuits; magnetic fields and forces; induced voltage; inductance; alternating currents; electromagnetic waves; light and geometric optics; diffraction effects; relativity; photons, electrons and protons; quantum and nuclear concepts; radioactivity. Prerequisite: PHY 0100 Usually offered in spring. (3 Credits)
Laboratory experience. (1 Credit)
Electives
The remaining hours are electives can consist of science courses, but should not be limited to those particular disciplines.