2015-2016 University Catalog 
  
2015-2016 University Catalog

Biology, BS


Banner Code:  SC-BS-BIOL

This program of study is offered by the Department of Biology  in the College of Science .

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core . Students must complete their biology coursework and the supporting requirements below with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Additionally:

  • Students may apply no more than 8 credits of BIOL 103  or BIOL 104  toward elective credit (or equivalent transfer credit at the 100 to 200-level) if taken before successful completion of BIOL 213 .
  • Biology majors must earn a minimum grade of ‘C’ in all biology core courses listed below. A grade of ‘C’ or better must be earned in BIOL 213  in order to advance to other core requirements.
  • Students may repeat BIOL 213  once, but a second time only with permission from the Department of Biology .
  • Students may not count BIOL 124  and/or BIOL 125  toward any biology major requirement.
  • Students who take BIOL 310  may not count BIOL 303  and/or BIOL 304  toward any biology major requirement.
  • BIOL 308  meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.
  • 44 credits must be in biology coursework.

Several optional concentrations are available (see below). Each concentration’s description will outline which Mason Core  requirements are met.

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s program in biology  or curriculum and instruction (SECB concentration) . See each listing for specific requirements.

Important information and departmental policies are listed in the Department of Biology  section of this catalog.

Degree Requirements


All students must complete the biology core (22 credits), chemistry (13 credits), physics (8 credits), mathematics (3-6 credits), and computer science (3 credits) courses listed below. Through this coursework, students will satisfy the Mason Core  requirements for ‘Natural Science’, ‘Information Technology’, and ‘Quantitative Reasoning’. Students then elect to complete the BS degree either with a concentration  or without a concentration .

Computer Science (3 credits)


Biology Core and Shared Courses Total: 49-52 credits


BS without Concentration


Students who do not select an optional concentration must complete the biology core and shared courses shown above in addition to the curriculum requirements listed below.

22 Credits of Biology Electives


  • 22 credits of additional biology courses
    • Of which, at least 14 credits must be upper division, and at least two of the upper division courses must include a laboratory.

3-8 Additional Credits


Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which option (A, B, or C) best meets their career goals.

Note:


Students expecting to enter a professional school are strongly encouraged to complete MATH 113  and MATH 114 .

Without Concentration Total: 25-30 credits


BS with Concentration


Students pursuing the degree with a concentration must complete the biology core and shared courses as shown above and the requirements for the concentration. Concentration options described below include:

▲ Concentration in Biology Education with Licensure (BIED)


The education concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students who wish to pursue a career teaching high school biology. Completing the Biology, BS  with this concentration allows students to receive a license to teach biology in Virginia secondary schools.

The coursework below will satisfy the Mason Core  requirements for ‘Synthesis’ and ‘Social and Behavioral Science’. Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete their biology coursework (including the core ) and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core  and the additional rules for the Biology, BS  listed above.

8 Credits of Biology Electives

  • 8 credits of additional biology courses
    • Of which, 4 credits must be upper division biology
    • BIOL 124  and BIOL 125  are not eligible to fulfill this requirement
3-8 Additional Credits

Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which option (A, B, or C) best meets their career goals.

Teacher Licensure Requirement (21 credits)

EDCI 473  and EDCI 483  will count towards the 44 required hours in biology. A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all licensure coursework.

BIED Concentration Total: 40-45 credits

▲ Concentration in Biopsychology (BP)


The biopsychology concentration consists of a selection of courses designed to address the needs and interest of students who wish to study biology in more depth while simultaneously exploring psychology and neurobiology. This concentration will help prepare students for the MCAT section related to psychology and provide veterinary students with a background in animal learning/behavior.

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete their biology core and shared courses (listed above) and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core  requirements and the additional rules for the Biology, BS . Depending upon course choice, the Mason Core  requirement for ‘Synthesis’ may be fulfilled.

3-5 Additional Chemistry Credits

Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which of the following options (A or B) best meets their career goals.

BP Concentration Total: 24-28 credits

▲ Concentration in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (BTMB)


The biotechnology and molecular biology concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students who seek employment in the field or wish to include an applied component in their undergraduate training in biology.

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete the biology core and shared courses (listed above) and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core  and the additional rules for the Biology, BS  listed above.

Note:

*Registration for BIOL 417 , BIOL 418 , or BIOL 497  is subject to approval by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Chairman of the Department of Biology .

5 Additional Chemistry Credits

BTMB Concentration Total: 27 credits

▲ Concentration in Environmental and Conservation Biology (ESCB)


This concentration is offered to students seeking a biology degree that focuses on ecology and organismal biology and prepares them for graduate work or employment in environmental and conservation fields, such as natural resources management, fisheries, forestry, water quality management, aquatic and wetland ecology, and conservation biology. The concentration is staffed and supported by the Department of Environmental Science and Policy .

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete the biology core and shared courses (listed above) and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core  and the additional rules for the Biology, BS  listed above.

6 Credits in Environmental and Conservation Biology

3-8 Additional Credits

Students are encouraged to consult with a biology faculty advisor to determine which of the following options (A, B, or C) best meets their career goals.

ESCB Concentration Total: 25-30 credits

▲ Concentration in Microbiology (MIB)


This concentration offers lecture and laboratory courses in microbiology to prepare students for employment or advanced study in microbial genetics, physiology, diversity, and related fields.

Students who choose to undertake this concentration must complete the biology core and shared courses (listed above) and the supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core  and the additional rules for the Biology, BS  listed above.

Mason Core and Elective Credits (23-47 credits)


In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core  requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

  • Without concentration: 38-46 credits
  • BIED concentration: 23-31 credits
  • BP concentration: 40-47 credits
  • BTMB concentration: 41-44 credits
  • ESCB concentration: 38-46 credits
  • MIB concentration: 41-44 credits

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits