Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biology (B.S.)


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Program: B.S.
Department of Biology  
College of Arts and Sciences

Science Building 330 ~ 260-481-6305


The study of biology helps you prepare for careers in research, teaching, industry, government, medicine, medical technology, and other health-related fields.   Biology is one of the most interdisciplinary of all the sciences.  In addition to biology, this program requires a broad background in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This background enables the biologist to study the evolution of life; manifestations of life from the level of viruses, bacteria, and individual cells to the structure and function of organisms; and interactions of living organisms with each other and their environment.  The Department of Biology has extensive facilities for its research programs and students have an opportunity to earn a Research Certificate in Biology. 

For details on pursuing a second degree in secondary education to teach Biology in middle school/high school, see the School of Education Secondary Education  section in this catalog.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this degree, students will:

  • demonstrate comprehension of basic biological principles and theories, and an ability to apply those theories and principles to problem solving
  • demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method, and be able to apply that knowledge to problem solving
  • demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate biological information
  • demonstrate the basic knowledge and experience of field and laboratory work, and be able to communicate the results of an investigation

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:

  • A GPA of 2.00 or higher for all major department courses taken
  • A GPA of 2.30 or higher in biology core and biology elective/concentration courses
  • A GPA of 2.30 or higher in BIOL 11700, 11900, 21700, 21800, 21900, and 49100
  • A maximum of 6 credits in BIOL 29500 or 59500
  • All biology courses applied toward graduation must be completed within 10 years from the time the first biology course was completed

To earn a B.S. with a major in Biology, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above:

General Education Requirements: Credits 33


  • Cick on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.
  • A grade of C- or higher is required in each course used to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne College Requirements link above.  Go to Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


  • See Part A in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree for Speaking requirement

International Language: Credits 8


  • See Part B in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

Supporting Courses


Calculus and Statistics: Credits 9


The following calculus and statistics course pattern is typical. Course substitutions are possible with advisor approval. Please note that most graduate programs require a full year of calculus.

Biology Elective Courses: Credits 16


Take at least one course with a laboratory from each of the A and B elective course lists below.

  • The A elective courses focus on topics regarding the intact organism and its interaction with the environment, and so are organismal, population, community, and ecosystem in nature.
  • The B elective courses focus on processes acting within the organism, and thus detail molecular, cellular, and organ-system mechanisms.

General Electives


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.

Honors in Biology


You may earn a department Honors Degree in Biology by achieving an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher and a biology GPA of 3.50 or higher, conducting a two-semester (minimum of 5 credits) research project, preparing a senior thesis based on the research project, and giving an oral presentation of the thesis research. The senior thesis committee must be established one semester before graduation.


Time Limit


All Biology courses applied toward graduation must be completed within ten (10) years from the time the first Biology course was completed.


Total Credits: 120


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

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