Biological Studies Major
The BA 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 BS in Biology, which will allow block-transfer students to normally graduate in two years.
The BA 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 BA 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 BS in Biology program instead.
Goal 1: Students entering the university via the block transfer agreement will be able to describe cell structure and function, including biochemical processes and the role of macromolecules in these processes.
Goal 2: Students entering the university via the block transfer agreement will be able to describe the ways in which organisms are internally organized above the cellular level.
Goal 3: Students entering the university via the block transfer agreement will be able to describe the diversity of organisms and how they interact with, are adapted to, and evolve with, their environment.
Goal 4: Students entering the university via the block transfer agreement will be able to design an experiment, operate basic laboratory equipment, reduce, statistically analyze, and present data in graphical, written or oral formats.
The BA in Biological Studies is a major that is only open for students entering SJU with an Associate's Degree in Biology or a closely-related discipline, through a block-transfer agreement. This program of study has fewer requirements compared to the BS in Biology or Biomedical Sciences, and can be completed by most block-transfer students in four semesters.
The BA in Biological Studies provides an excellent route in various career options, including graduate programs in the allied health professions, direct-entry jobs in industry, and some other graduate programs. Please note that it is not ideal for students looking to enter medical, dental, veterinary, or other similar professional school programs, nor is it designed for students looking to enter a PhD program in the life sciences after graduation. The traditional BS in Biology degree is a better option for those pursuits.
Core Requirements: If one of these PHL/THE courses were completed as part of your Bachelor's program at SJU, they will apply to the core requirements; however, to meet program credit hours a student will need to take a 3 credit general elective. Please see the Block Transfer policy for more information.
Transfer of Associates Degree courses will transfer in under "Block" up to 60 credits.
Cornerstone Curriculum Requirements for Block Transfer Students
Students who transfer to Saint Joseph's University with a completed Associate of Art, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree in the Health Professions from an accredited institution will not be required to complete the Saint Joseph’s University Cornerstone Core Curriculum. Rather, the Associate degree holder will receive credit for having completed their general education requirements with the addition of a maximum of nine credit hours of Saint Joseph's University mission and identity related coursework as described below. Additionally, if a student has completed a course that would, in a course-by-course transfer evaluation, count for one of the courses identified below, that course will be considered completed.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Level One | 3 | |
This Philosophy Level One course must be designated as Ethics-based. | ||
| Theology | 3 | |
| Mission Overlay | 3 | |
This proposal does not equate the AA, AS, or AAS degree with the Saint Joseph's University Cornerstone Core. Rather, it provides an alternative path for transfer students to continue their education at Saint Joseph's University in their chosen discipline while still completing foundational coursework in the Jesuit Liberal Arts tradition that is central to Saint Joseph's University’s educational mission.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 120 | Precalculus | 3 |
| or MAT 155 | Fundamentals of Calculus | |
| MAT 148 | Applied Statistics Plus | 4 |
| CHM 120 & 120L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
| CHM 125 & 125L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | 4 |
| BIO 101 & 101L | Bio I: Cells and Bio I: Cells Lab (May be taken for CCC Natural Science) | 4 |
| or BIO 150L | Bio I: Cells Lab Phage | |
| BIO 102 & 102L | Bio II: Genetics and Bio II: Genetics Lab | 4 |
| or BIO 151L | Phage Lab | |
| BIO 201 & 201L | Bio III: Organismic Biology and Bio III: Organismic Biol Lab | 4 |
| BIO 290 | Career Development Seminar | 0 |
| Three upper-level biology courses, from from Group A, one from Group B, and one from Group C, below: 1 | ||
| Group A: Cell Structure and Function | 4 | |
| Advanced Cell Biology | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Molecular&Cellular Biophysics | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Histopathology | ||
| Neurological Disorders | ||
| Applied Clinical Microbiology | ||
| Group B: Systemic Organization | 4 | |
| Biomechanics | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Plant Physiological Ecology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Systemic Physiology | ||
| Hematology | ||
| Bacterial Pathogenesis | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Group C: Evolution and Diversity of Life | 4 | |
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Aquatic Biology | ||
| Human Anatomy | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Applied & Environ Microbiology | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Fermentation Science | ||
| Environmental Science | ||
| At least 6 additional credits of upper-level Biology courses. These credits can be from any of the courses in group A - C above, as well as in groups D and E, below. | 6 | |
| Group D courses 2 | ||
| Basic Concepts & Proc MLS | ||
| Group E courses: Non-lab courses | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Virology | ||
| Pharmacogosy | ||
| Principals &App of Immunology | ||
| Emrg Bio Threat & Glbl Sustain | ||
| Biochemistry 3 | ||
| Chemistry/Physics Elective | 8 | |
| Students may choose to take either both semesters of Organic Chemistry (CHM 210 & CHM 210L, CHM 215 & CHM 215L) or both semesters of General Physics (PHY 101 & PHY 101L, PHY 102 & PHY 102L). Transfer credit may be applicable and may fulfill this major requirement. | ||
| Total Hours | 53 | |
- 1
BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 201 and CHM 120, CHM 125 are prerequisite for all 400 level BIO courses.
- 2
One semester of BIO 493 or BIO 494 (Independent Research) and/or BIO 492 (Biology Internship) may count as one Group D biology elective. For students doing a year-long honors thesis, both BIO 493 and BIO 494 may be counted as Group D biology electives. For non-honors research, the second semester of research will count as a free elective.
- 3
CHM 215/CHM 215L is a prerequisite or co-requisite for BIO 404
Free Electives
To be awarded a bachelor's degree at Saint Joseph's University, students must complete at least 120 total credits. As such, elective credits may be required in addition to Cornerstone Core Curriculum (CCC) and major requirements. Any credits necessary to reach at least 120 total credits outside of the CCC and major requirements are considered free electives. Under the CCC, there are no fixed number of electives required. A student's total number of electives will vary based on major requirements, transfer credits, as well as math and language placement.