Biology

Area of Study Overview

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The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program, with an area of study in Biology, prepares adults for career change, advancement, or graduate education, while providing personal enrichment. The program enables students to develop an understanding of biological principles that underlie all living things and instills a sense of inquiry and sharpens analytical-thinking skills. Students develop a broad general knowledge of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while developing a greater depth of knowledge in biology.

Degree Requirements:

  • A minimum of 18 credits must be upper level, 3000 level or above, within the area of study.

NOTE:

Calculus is recommended, but not required. 

In addition, the University offers a host of ways to earn credit for knowledge obtained in non-collegiate settings. Examples include:

  • Courses and examinations approved through National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) and the American Council on Education (ACE)
  • College Credit Recommendation Service.
  • Military service
  • License and certifications
  • Prior learning assessment (PLA)

Credit Distribution

I. General Education Featured Courses (45 Credits)

TESU Featured Courses are listed as a guide. Other courses may satisfy the areas and can be viewed on our website under General Education Courses.  For more information see About Our General Education Program.  To plan your program please contact an academic advisor.

A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (15 Credits)

ENC-1010Writing for Success

3

ENC-1020Writing for Success II

3

COM-2090Public Speaking

3

MAT-1210College Algebra

3

SOS-1100Fact, Fiction, or Fake? Information Literacy Today

3

For all TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Intellectual and Practical Skills.

B. Civic and Global Leadership (9 Credits)

SOC-1010Our Changing World: An Introduction to Sociology

3

ETH-2200Leading the Way: A Path Towards Ethical Leadership

3

POS-1100American Government

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Civic and Global Leadership.

C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (15 Credits)

SOC-2100Marriage and the Family

3

HIS-1130American History I

3

FIL-1100Exploring American Cinema

3

Select two featured courses from the list below:
SOC-2910Criminology

3

HIS-1140American History II

3

HIS-1210Introduction to World History I

3

HUM-1030Introduction to the Humanities III: Music

3

PHI-1300Introduction to Critical Reasoning

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Knowledge of Human Cultures.

D. Scientific Knowledge (6 Credits)

EAS-1010General Earth Science

3

BIO-2080The Science of Nutrition

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Scientific Knowledge.

Il. Area of Study (60 Credits)

A. Required Courses (45 Credits)

BIO-2510Introduction to Microbiology with Lab

4

MAT-1290Precalculus

3

CHE-1210General Chemistry I with Lab

4

CHE-1220General Chemistry II with Lab

4

PHY-1150Physics I with Lab

4

PHY-1160Physics II with Lab

4

-TRSFR REQ.
General Biology I with Lab

4

-TRSFR REQ.
General Biology II with Lab

4

-TRSFR REQ.
Cell Biology

3

-TRSFR REQ.
Genetics

3

-TRSFR REQ.
Organic Chemistry I with Lab

4

-TRSFR REQ.
Organic Chemistry II with Lab

4

B. Biology Electives (12 Credits)

For TESU and other course options, please contact an Advisor.

C. Capstone (3 Credits)

LIB-4950Liberal Arts Capstone

3

III. Electives (15 Credits)

For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.

TRANSFER REQUIREMENT: TESU accepts credits in transfer from accredited institutions as well as non-collegiate providers. View information and resources on where you may find additional learning experiences.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Biology program will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method, including the formation of hypotheses and the design and implementation of laboratory experiments;
  • demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and critically review scientific papers;
  • recognize the relationship between structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels;
  • explain the principles of evolutionary biology and identify the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of organisms;
  • define the historical development of theories and laws, the nature of science, and the relationship between science, technology, and society;
  • recognize the ecological relationships between organisms and their environment; and
  • demonstrate a working knowledge of equipment, technology, and materials appropriate for research in the biological sciences.