Biology Program Requirements

The Biology Major is a four-year program leading to a baccalaureate. Students may choose from two degree programs: a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA).

Applicants for the BS and BA programs should have completed at least 18 credits, 7 in science, and compiled a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 2.5 in science courses.

As part of the four-year degree requirements, students must complete a Biology 495: Senior Project. The project is under the supervision of a faculty member at Bryn Athyn College or another institution. Proposals for this project must be submitted by the students in the spring of the junior year.

Bachelor of Science Program

The BS degree program is recommended for those who plan to continue their education in graduate school or medical school.

Course Requirements

  • Biology 120: Principles of Biology
  • Biology 230: Genetics
  • Biology 232: Cell Structure and Function
  • Biology 235: Ecology
  • One organismal biology selected from the following:
    • Biology 125: Introductory Ornithology
    • Biology 240: Botany
    • Biology 245: Zoology
  • Chemistry 110: General Chemistry I
  • Chemistry 111: General Chemistry II
  • Chemistry 210: Organic Chemistry I
  • Mathematics 130: Introduction to Statistics
  • Mathematics 150: Calculus I
  • Physics 210: Principles of Physics
  • Biology 373: Biological Laboratory Techniques: Molecular Biology (2 credits)
  • Biology 375: Biological Laboratory Techniques: Ecology (2 credits)
  • Biology 490, 491 & 492: Biology Seminars I, II & III (a total of 3 credits, required senior year)
  • Three additional 200/300-level biology courses
  • One additional 300-level biology course
  • Biology 495: Senior Project

Bachelor of Arts Program

The BA degree is a general liberal arts program that prepares graduates for a variety of career fields.

Course Requirements: The requirements for the BA degree are the same as those for the BS degree except for the following:

  • Mathematics 140: Elements of Calculus may be taken in the place of Mathematics 150: Calculus I.
  • Physics is not required.
  • Only one term (2 credits) of Biological Laboratory Techniques (Biology 373 or 375) is required.
  • Four additional biology courses. If taken before junior year, these four courses may include one of either:
    • Earth Science 110: Introduction to Physical Geology and Meteorology
    • Biology 110: Environmental Science
  • Two additional science or mathematics courses selected from:
    • Mathematics 151: Calculus II (or higher)
    • Computer Science 180: Structured Programming (or higher)
    • Physics 210 & 211: Principles of Physics I & II
    • Chemistry 211: Organic Chemistry II
    • Or any 200-level or higher biology

Contact:

Sherri Cooper, PhD, Head of Biology Major
267-502-2554, sherri.cooper@brynathyn.edu