Biology Courses

Either the B.A. or the B.S. degrees in Biology may be pursued:

B.A. — The Bachelor of Arts in biology allows a student more time to study other areas of the liberal arts as well as an opportunity to pursue a double major. The B.A. is less concentrated in terms of science requirements though the Biology Core courses taken are identical to those taken for the Bachelor of Science degree.

The Major requirements for the B.A. in biology are:

The Biology core program outlined on the next page.
Three additional 3- or 4-credit biology courses for majors, exclusive of BIOL 496, 498, and 499H (see Electives section on the next page); students in the B.A. program may enroll in BIOL 490, 491, 496, 498, and/or 499H, but may not use this credit toward the Major requirements of their degrees.
One of the following: MATH 119C, 120C, 122C, 170, 260; CSCI 152, 161, 170, 250, and 260*.

The B. A. degree may be of special interest to persons who want to combine another major such as chemistry, management, or education with their biology major.

B.S. — The Bachelor of Science in biology is recommended for students who want a concentrated biological sciences program.

The Major requirements for the B.S. in biology are:

The Biology core program outlined on the next page
Five additional 3- or 4-credit biology courses for majors, exclusive of BIOL 490, 491, and 496 (see Electives section on the next page); BIOL 498 or 499H may substitute for one of the five additional courses.
PHYS 121C and 122C
Two of the following: MATH 119C, 120C, 122C, 170, 260; CSCI 152, 161, 170, 250, and 260*.

*In making selections, students should be aware that graduate and professional programs may have specific science, math, computer science, statistics or humanities requirements for admission. Further guidance may be obtained from these programs and from the student’s faculty advisor.

For students majoring in Biology, only courses designated as biology courses (BIOL) are included in the determination of grade point average in the major.

Electives

As a guide in selecting the additional courses to be taken in either degree program, recommendations have been established by the biology faculty for certain academic and/or career areas. Biology is a broad field of study, and someone with plans to pursue further study in, for example, genetics, botany, zoology, physiology, or any other special area of biology, should consult with his or her advisor or with the chair of the department to choose courses that would best meet individual needs and interests.

Biology Core Program

	Fall	Spring
FR	BIOL 100, 120C, 127 CHEM 103C, 103L or 101C, 101L	BIOL 128C CHEM 104C, 104L, or 102C, 102L
SO	BIOL 213 CHEM 201, 201L	BIOL 214 CHEM 202, 202L
JR	BIOL 311, 311L	BIOL 349
SR	BIOL 440* *One semester of BIOL 440 (Seminar) is required, and may be taken during either the fall or spring semester of the senior year.

Minor Requirements

BIOL 120C — General Biology (3)
BIOL 127L — General Biology Lab (1)
BIOL 128C — General Zoology (4)
3 Biology elective courses, one of which must be at the 200 level or beyond (9)

Note: A grade point average of 2.00 is required for courses taken in residence in the minor.

Biology Majors seeking Adolescence Teaching Certification:

Students who complete the St. John Fisher College major requirements in the B.A. Biology program, also satisfy the content area requirements for Adolescence Teaching Certification in Biology.

In addition to the content area requirements, students pursuing Adolescence Teaching Certification must also complete:

Adolescence Teaching Major: (46)

The major includes Education courses, field experiences and student teaching. See Education for details.

Note: As early as possible, students should consult with an Education Advisor to set up a program leading to certification.

Health Professions
Pre-Health Professions Program
(For students interested in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, public health, and healthcare-related careers other than nursing. Students interested in nursing are directed to the “Nursing” section.)

A degree in biology is not required for admission to medical, pharmacy, and other health professional schools, but certain science courses are required for admission and in preparation for standardized admissions tests. Students contemplating careers in the health professions should consult with the Health Professions Advisor as early in their college careers as possible. Please see “Health Professions” for more information.

Recommended progression of courses required for the
B.A. Biology major:

In addition to the courses noted below, students are expected to complete the Undergraduate College Core. Students should consult "Core Requirements" for details

	Fall	Spring
FR	BIOL 100, 120C, 127 CHEM 103C, 103L or 101C, 101L	BIOL 128C CHEM 104C, 104L, or 102C, 102L
SO	BIOL 213 CHEM 201, 201L MATH or CSCI	BIOL 214 CHEM 202, 202L
JR	BIOL 311, 311L BIOL 349	BIOL Elective
SR	BIOL Elective BIOL 440*	BIOL Elective

*One semester of BIOL 440 (Seminar) is required, and may be taken during either the fall or spring semester of the senior year.

Recommended progression of courses required for the B.S. Biology major: In addition to the courses noted below, students are expected to complete the Undergraduate College Core. Students should consult “Core Requirements” for details

Fall Spring

FR BIOL 100, 120C, 127
CHEM 103C, 103L or 101C, 101L BIOL 128C
CHEM 104C, 104L, or 102C, 102L

SO BIOL 213
CHEM 201, 201L
MATH or CSCI BIOL 214
CHEM 202, 202L
MATH or CSCI

JR BIOL 311, 311L
BIOL 349
PHYS 121C BIOL Elective
PHYS 122C

SR BIOL Elective
BIOL Elective
BIOL 440* BIOL Elective
BIOL Elective

*One semester of BIOL 440 (Seminar) is required, and may be taken during either the fall or spring semester of the senior year.