Biological Science, B.S.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences is to provide an academically stimulating and challenging environment for intellectual and spiritual growth, preparing students to pursue careers in scientific research, industry, academia, and health care.

Degree Program

A Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science offers four different concentrations: Environmental Science, General Biology, Pre-Med/Pre-Health Care Professional, and Secondary Instruction.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, students will be able to:

1. Apply the scientific method in research (ULO 3).
2. Explain the biomolecular basis of life at the cellular level (ULO 1).
3. Describe and classify the diversity of organismal form, structure and function, and the relationship of the organisms to one another and the environment (ULO 1).
4. Integrate faith and scientific knowledge to practice science with integrity, steward creation, and articulate the merit of their worldview (ULO 2).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Recommendations

Recommended high school courses are: one year of biology, one year of chemistry, three years of mathematics, and two years of foreign language. One year of physics is desirable. The student should be aware that Advanced Placement (AP) science courses may not be used to fulfill science requirements for this degree.

Graduate/Professional School Requirements

The student should be aware that most graduate programs and many professional schools require an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 and that a grade of C or better was earned for all science courses and they will not accept Advanced Placement science credit to fulfill the entrance requirements.

Curriculum Requirements

Concentrations

General Biology (65+ Credits)

¹

The following courses do not count as supporting science or major electives: BIOS 100, BIOS 105, BIOS 120, BIOS 128, BIOS 130.

²

CHEM 107 is waived for students who meet the qualifications to enter CHEM 105. See the current Placement Options for CHEM 105 for more information.

³

All students who do not meet one of the Physics 111 Placement Options must enroll in PHSC 100. The prerequisite for PHSC 132 is MATH 150 or an Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher.

⁴

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Environmental Science (63+ Credits)

¹

Additional course(s), which are not program or concentration requirements, are required as prerequisites. See department for advising.

²

The following courses do not count as supporting science or major electives: BIOS 100, BIOS 105, BIOS 120, BIOS 128, BIOS 130.

³

CHEM 107 is waived for students who meet the qualifications to enter CHEM 105. See the current Placement Options for CHEM 105 for more information.

⁴

All students who do not meet one of the Physics 111 Placement Options must enroll in PHSC 100. The prerequisite for PHSC 132 is MATH 150 or an Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher.

⁵

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health Care Professional (65+ Credits)

¹

CHEM 107 is waived for students who meet the qualifications to enter CHEM 105. See the current Placement Options for CHEM 105 for more information.

²

All students who do not meet one of the Physics 111 Placement Options must enroll in PHSC 100. The prerequisite for PHSC 132 is MATH 150 or an Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher.

³

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Secondary Instruction (72+ credits)

For those interested in teaching Biology at the high school level, this concentration provides coursework that, combined with successfully passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), leads to a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biology. The Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation. See a credential analyst in the School of Education for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential. Students must consult with both their major advisor and a School of Education advisor.

¹

The following courses do not count as supporting science or major electives: BIOS 100, BIOS 105, BIOS 120, BIOS 128, BIOS 130.

²

CHEM 107 is waived for students who meet the qualifications to enter CHEM 105. See the current Placement Options for CHEM 105 for more information.

³

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that a teaching credential candidate must have completed a minimum 2-credit course that covers the U.S. Constitution or fulfill this requirement by examination. Biola University students may complete this requirement by taking either HIST 200 or POSC 225 with a grade of C or better. Students receiving AP college credit for either HIST 200 or POSC 225 will also meet this requirement. Transfer coursework must be reviewed by a credential analyst in the School of Education. Either course fulfills the History Core Curriculum requirement. 

⁴

All students who do not meet one of the Physics 111 Placement Options must enroll in PHSC 100. The prerequisite for PHSC 132 is MATH 150 or an Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher.

⁵

Fulfills the Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement.

⁶

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Secondary Education Minor

For those interested in teaching Biology at the high school level, this minor provides coursework that, combined with successfully passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), leads to a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biology. The Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation. See a credential analyst in the School of Education for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential. Students must consult with both their major advisor and a School of Education advisor. Refer to the Education section of the catalog or meet with a credential analyst in the School of Education for program requirements.

Candidates who take the following 20 credits qualify for a Secondary Education Minor:

¹

PSYC 200 will count toward the Core Curriculum requirement for Behavioral Science.

²

In order to apply the Teacher Preparation Coursework classes towards any California credential, students must earn at least a B- in each of these classes.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

• General Biology
• Environmental Science
• Pre-Med/Pre-Health Care Professional
• Secondary Instruction

Biological Science, B.S. General Biology (BSGB)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions. 

Biological Science, B.S. Environmental Science (BIES)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions. 

Biological Science, B.S. Pre-Med/Pre-Health Care Professional (BPRE)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions. 

Biological Science, B.S. Secondary Instruction (BISN)

LEDU 450 (6) and LEDU 452 (6) Student Teaching may be completed at the graduate level and are not required for undergraduate graduation. See catalog and advisor.

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions. 

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

• General Biology
• Environmental Science
• Pre-Med/Pre-Health Care Professional
• Secondary Instruction

Biological Science, B.S. General Biology (BSGB)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions. 

Biological Science, B.S. Environmental Science (BIES)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions. 

Biological Science, B.S. Pre-Med/Pre-Health Care Professional (BPRE)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact Modern Language Department for placement test instructions.

Biological Science, B.S. Secondary Instruction (BISN)

Note: If you have taken 2 years of the same language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions.