Biological Studies Major
The B.A. in Biological Studies is a program for students who enter Saint Joseph's University through one of the block-transfer agreements, and who have completed two-years in a biology major, or closely related program. This degree has fewer requirements than the B.S. in Biology, which will allow block-transfer students to normally graduate in two years.
The B.A. in Biological Studies can be an excellent program for block-transfer students who want to enter allied health professions programs such as Physician Assistant, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Pharmacy, and others. It is also an excellent program for students wanting to enter various industries in the life sciences, or who wish to pursue a research-based graduate degree.
It is important note that, due to the reduced range of course requirements, the B.A, in Biological Studies does not include the pre-requisite courses for medical, dental, or veterinary school. Students interested in entering these programs after graduating from Saint Joseph's University should enroll in the B.S. in Biology program instead.
The program covers a range of the learning goals and outcomes described below. There is some variation based on the exact courses a student chooses to take within the program.
Learning Goals and Outcomes
1. Students will appreciate and understand cell structure and function, the organization of biological systems, and the evolution of biological diversity.
1.1 Students will understand and be able to describe the mechanisms of evolutionary change and the diversity of life.
1.2 Students will understand and be able to describe biochemical processes of living organisms and the role of macromolecules in these processes.
1.3 Students will understand and be able to describe how organisms interact with their abiotic and biotic environment.
1.4 Students will understand and be able to describe molecular, classical, and population genetics.
2. Students will develop skills in experimental design and the presentation of scientific information.
2.1 Students will be able to design an experiment, operate basic laboratory equipment, reduce and present data that includes the interpretation of statistical tests.
2.2 Students will be able to develop cogent written and oral presentations of scientific content.
3. Students will be exposed to career and professional development opportunities.
The traditional undergraduate programs include 40 courses distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas:
- Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
- Ethics Intensive, and
- Writing Intensive. Overlay requirements are part of the forty-course requirement.
General Education Signature Courses
See this page about Signature courses. Six courses
General Education Variable Courses
See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ||
| MAT 155 | Fundamentals of Calculus | 3 |
| or MAT 161 | Calculus I | |
| Natural Science | ||
| BIO 101 | Bio I: Cells (first semester freshman year) | 4 |
General Education Overlays
General Education Integrative Learning Component
See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| BIO 102 & 102L | Bio II: Genetics and Bio II: Genetics Lab (second semester, freshman year) | 4 |
| or BIO 151L | Phage Lab | |
| BIO 201 | Bio III: Organismic Biology (first semester, sophomore year) | 4 |
| BIO 290 | Career Development Seminar (required for first-semester sophomores) | 0 |
| BIO 390 | Biology Seminar (required each semester for second-semester sophomores, juniors and seniors) | 0 |
| Select one from each of the following groups: 1 | ||
| Group A: Cell Structure and Function | ||
| Advanced Cell Biology | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Molecular&Cellular Biophysics | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Histopathology | ||
| Neurological Disorders | ||
| Group B: Systemic Organization | ||
| Biomechanics | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Plant Physiological Ecology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Systemic Physiology | ||
| Bacterial Pathogenesis | ||
| Group C: Evolution and Diversity of Life | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy | ||
| Plant Systematics | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Applied&Environ Microbio | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Fermentation Science | ||
| Environmental Science | ||
| Four additional 400-level biology courses 2,3 | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| CHM 125 | General Chemistry II (second semester, freshman year) | 3 |
| CHM 125L | General Chemistry Lab II (second semester, freshman year) | 2 |
| CHM 215 | Organic Chemistry II (second semester, sophomore year) | 3 |
| CHM 215L | Organic Chemistry Lab II (second semester, sophomore year) | 1 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MAT 128 | Applied Statistics (first semster, sophomore year) | 3 |
| Physics | ||
| PHY 102 | General Physics II (second semester, junior year) | 3 |
| PHY 102L | General Physics Laboratory II (second semester, junior year) | 1 |