Dec 17, 2024

2023-2024 Academic Catalog

2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, Ecology and Environmental, B.S

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Ecology and environmental biology encompass the entire hierarchy of biological organization from molecules and cells to communities and ecosystems. We offer a wide range of courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, behavior, physiology, and natural history. We provide opportunities to study ecological and evolutionary processes across marine, terrestrial, and freshwater environments. The ecology and environmental biology concentration, therefore, provides a holistic perspective of the biological sciences.

This degree program is designed to provide students with a rigorous background in the biological sciences; additional coursework in chemistry, mathematics, and physics maximizes career options. The program is well suited for students who intend to pursue graduate study in the biological sciences (e.g., ecology, zoology, botany, conservation biology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, etc.). It also prepares students to function effectively in a variety of technical field and laboratory settings.

Students intending to apply to a professional program in medical, dental, or veterinary sciences are encouraged to consider the B.S., Biology, Pre-professional Concentration.

Criteria for Admission to Program

Students pursuing a degree in biology are officially admitted to the program upon satisfying the following criteria:

2.0 GPA for all university work completed at time of admission to program.

Grades of C or better in the following core courses:

BIOL 101 (General Biology I)
BIOL 102 (General Biology II)
CHEM 101 (General Chemistry I), PHYS 101 (General Physics I), or PHYS 203 (Advanced General Physics I)
MATH 133 (College Algebra)

GPA 2.00

Minimum Graduation Requirements (120 credit hours)

C or Better On All Courses Toward The Major.

Core Requirements (54 credit hours)

Biology (31 credit hours)

BIOL 101 - General Biology I Credits: 4 hours
BIOL 102 - General Biology II Credits: 4 hours
BIOL 201 - Principles of Ecology Credits: 4 hours
BIOL 210 - Biological Evolution Credits: 3 credit hours
BIOL 270 - Plant Diversity Credits: 4 hours
BIOL 320 - Limnology Credits: 4 hours
BIOL 341 - Microbiology Credits: 4 hours
BIOL 420 - Wetlands Biology Credits: 4 hours

Chemistry (12 credit Hours)

CHEM 101 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4 hours
CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4 hours
CHEM 275 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4 hours

Physics (8 credit hours)

The Department of Biology strongly recommends that students take PHYS 203 and PHYS 204 .

PHYS 101 - General Physics I Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 102 - General Physics II Credits: 4 hours
or
PHYS 203 - Advanced General Physics I Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 204 - Advanced General Physics II Credits: 4 hours

Mathematics Core (3-4 credit hours)

MATH 133 - College Algebra Credits: 3 hours
or
MATH 170 - Calculus I Credits: 4 hours

Capstone (3-4 credit hours)

BIOL 491 - Senior Seminar Credits: 3 hours
or
BIOL 492 - Directed Research Credits: 4 hours
or
BIOL 493 - Cooperative Internship Experience Credits: 2 hours and
BIOL 494 - Cooperative Internship Presentation Credits: 2 hours

Electives in the Major (12 credit hours)

At least 4 credit hours must come from at least two of the following categories: cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology and evolution. A course used to fulfill the requirement in one category may not be used again to fulfill the requirement in another category. At least 4 credit hours must come from 300- or 400-level courses. At least two courses must have a lab component.

Students are strongly encouraged to select electives by carefully researching program specific prerequisite course work. For example, some graduate programs may require a course in genetics or 2 semesters of organic chemistry.

Special topics courses (BIOL 299 , BIOL 399 , BIOL 499 ), seminar (BIOL 391 ), directed research (BIOL 392 ), and internships (BIOL 493 ) that not used to fulfill the capstone requirement are assigned a specific category at the time they are offered.

Additional Requirements (15 credit hours)

IS 101 - Basic Computer Applications Credits: 3 hours
COMM 101 - Public Speaking Credits: 3 hours or
COMM 201 - Voice and Articulation Credits: 3 hours
General Electives Credits: 9 hours

VALUES Core (36 credit hours)

Vocation, Application, and Learning in the Undergraduate Experience for Students

Chowan VALUES (18 credit hours)

CU 101 - First Year Experience I Credits: 2 hours
CU 102 - First Year Experience II Credits: 1 hour
ENGL 101 - College Writing Credits: 4 hours
ENGL 102 - Advanced College Writing Credits: 3 hours
LS 201 - LitSphere Credits: 1 hour
LS 202 - LitSphere Credits: 1 hour
REL 101 - Understanding the Bible: Texts and Contexts Credits: 3 hours
MATH 160 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics Credits: 3 hours
Students must earn a C or higher in MATH 160.

*Personal and Civic VALUES (6 credit hours)

These 6 credit hours must be from 2 different disciplines. Disciplines are designated by prefixes. Personal and Civic VALUES courses allow students to develop self and identity and explore the individual’s role in and impact on society. Personal and Civic VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with PV. To view a list of approved Personal and Civic VALUES courses, click VALUES Core.

*Historical and Global VALUES (3 credit hours)

Historical and Global VALUES courses engage students in critical analysis of the past to understand how knowledge of history helps them to navigate their future. These courses also encourage students to ask critical questions about global issues and challenges. Historical and Global VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with HV. To view a list of approved Historical and Global VALUES courses, click VALUES Core.

*Scientific VALUES (3 credit hours)

Scientific VALUES courses enable students to develop the skills necessary to employ the scientific method and assess the way evidence-based knowledge affects the understanding of self, others, and the world. These courses encourage students to explore the physical, natural, and behavioral world. Scientific VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with SV. To view a list of approved Scientific VALUES courses, click VALUES Core.

*Cultural and Diversity VALUES (6 credit hours)

These 6 credit hours must be from 2 different disciplines and at least 3 of these 6 credit hours must be 200 level or higher. Disciplines are designated by prefixes. Cultural and Diversity VALUES courses prepare students to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and thrive in an interconnected world. These courses introduce students to an understanding of diverse cultures, arts, and communities. Cultural and Diversity VALUES courses are designated in the Academic Catalog and designated in the Class Schedule with CV. To view a list of approved Cultural and Diversity VALUES courses, click VALUES Core .

*Notes

These 18 credit hours must include 3 credit hours of social or behavioral science and 3 credit hours of humanities or fine arts. Social or behavioral sciences include geography, history, sociology, political science, psychology, or economics. Humanities or fine arts include philosophy, music, literature, drama, art, or religion.

Students can “double count” up to 6 credit hours of these 18 credit hours for both their major and general education. However, students cannot use a course to fulfill both the VALUES Core and the Global Learning Core.

To qualify for a baccalaureate degree, a student must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, meet the university’s VALUES Core requirements, and meet any specific requirements of the major.