Program: Biology, Biological Science Concentration BS - Andrews University

Apr 03, 2025

2018-2019

The Department of Biology provides transformational education in the biological sciences for a diverse student population, set in the context of a Seventh-day Adventist worldview. Our graduates pursue diverse careers: as physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other health care providers; as high school and college biology teachers; and in other fields such as environmental biology, biomedical research, and as museum scientists. We offer a BS in Biology with three concentrations, as well as the MS in Biology. We also offer, collaboratively with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, a BS in Biotechnology.

Total Credits: 124

Major: Core Requirements — 27

Biology Core

BIOL 165 - Foundations of Biology Credits: 4,5
BIOL 166 - Foundations of Biology Credits: 4,5
BIOL 280 - Biostatistics and Research Design Credits: 3
BIOL 285 - Research Seminar in Biology Credits: 0
BIOL 305 - Scientific Communication Credits: 2
BIOL 371 - Genetics Credits: 3
BIOL 372 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 449 - Historical and Philosophical Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 348 - General Ecology Credits: 3
Or BIOL 345 - Field Ecology Credits: 3–6

Major: Concentration Requirements - 15

Concentration Requirements

Choose one course from the following two sets:
One on campus biology course:
BIOL 428 - Paleobiology Credits: 3
BIOL 454 - Vertebrate Zoology Credits: 3
BIOL 459 - Entomology Credits: 3
BIOL 476 - Biodiversity of Vascular Plants Credits: 4
Or
One Rosario Beach Marine Lab field course:
BIOL 456 - Marine Botany Credits: 3.5
BIOL 458 - Marine Invertebrates Credits: 3.5
BIOL 479 - Marine Ecology Credits: 3.5

Concentration Electives

Remaining courses to reach 15 credits may be selected from any BIOL course that applies to a biology major. (Note: Students seeking Secondary Certification must take specific courses reaching 17 credits in the Biological Science concentration in consultation with their Secondary Education advisor.)

Additional Elective Options Up to four elective credits may come from the following courses:
BCHM 421 - Biochemistry I Credits: 4
HORT 226 - Plant Systematics & ID Credits: 3
MATH 426 - Mathematical Modeling in Biology Credits: 3
PHTH 417 - Human Anatomy Credits: 3
PHTH 427 - Human Anatomy Laboratory Credits: 1

Cognates - 24

CHEM 131 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 132 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4
CHEM 231 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHEM 232 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHEM 241 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
CHEM 242 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
Choose one of the following sets:
PHYS 141 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHYS 142 - General Physics II Credits: 4
Or
PHYS 241 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Credits: 4
PHYS 242 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Credits: 4
PHYS 271 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I Credits: 1
PHYS 272 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II Credits: 1

Andrews Core Experience 43-49*

Students must take all courses designated in the BA & BS Degree Requirements of the Andrews Core Experience or the Honors Andrews Core Experience (SAGES) while noting the following requirements and recommendations.

*49 credits for standard GE package; 41 credits for Honors.

Religion
RELT 385 - Bioethics and Christian Faith Credits: 3
Or HONS 380 - Topic in Bioethics & Christian Faith Credits: 3 (for SAGES students)
Math
Choose one of the following courses:
MATH 168 - Precalculus Credits: 4
MATH 191 - Calculus I Credits: 4 (recommended)
MATH 195 - Calculus I for Biology Credits: 4 (recommended)
Social Sciences
Pre Med Students will need to take the following courses:
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
SOCI 119 - Principles of Sociology Credits: 3