Biology (B.S.) General Concentration

Program Overview

The Biology major provides a strong foundation in biology, from the molecular to the ecological level. The major includes a choice of five different concentrations:

• Biomedical: Preparation for graduate and professional programs in research and health (medical, dental, veterinary, physician’s assistant, optometry, etc.)
• Organismal: Emphasizes the study of the diversity, structure, function, and behavior of living organisms
• General: Provides broad exposure to all aspects of biology

The major also includes supporting courses in chemistry and mathematics. Graduates with a biology degree will be well-prepared for further studies and specialization in graduate schools, medical and veterinary schools, and other health career programs. Students following this major are also prepared to seek immediate employment in a variety of settings requiring the skills and knowledge of a biology major.

Biology majors interested in a teaching career should follow the secondary teaching certification curriculum for biology. This highly recognized curriculum is excellent preparation for teaching biology in grades 7 to 12 and for earning Pennsylvania State Certification. Biology, chemistry, and a physics course provide a sound basis for teaching biology, and education courses provide the tools needed for teaching. The program culminates in a 12-week student teaching experience in a selected public school.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Biology program can:

1. Describe the nature and process of science, and the fundamentals of the biological sciences spanning molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological subdisciplines.
2. Articulate a rationally defensible integration of science and faith.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in searching and evaluating published biological sciences literature.
4. Demonstrate competence in applied skills required for biological science-related careers and post-graduate studies.
5. Engage with the professional scientific community appropriate for vocational pursuits in the biological sciences.
   

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three to four credits of the following:

Four credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

General Concentration (16-20 credits)*

Three to four credits of Molecular and Cellular:

Three to four credits of Plant Science:

Three to four credits of Form and Function:

Seven to eight credits from the following:

QuEST Requirements