Biology B.S.
VU Biology graduates should be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in general biology concepts and theories, as well as in self-selected biology sub-disciplines in order to succeed in careers and graduate programs.
- Illustrate sufficient proficiency in calculus, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics in order to understand biological concepts involving these disciplines.
- Operate basic scientific instruments necessary for biological investigations such as microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, electrophoresis equipment and pH meters thus demonstrating competency in basic laboratory skills, cell culture, and field techniques.
- Design and conduct experiments –both individually and in small groups– using appropriate strategies such as: collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and present quantitative & qualitative data and incorporate them into the broader context of biological knowledge.
- Analyze and evaluate various types of scientific information including primary research articles, mass media sources and world-wide web information.
- Disseminate and present biological data with theoretical and historical perspectives –both in oral and written formats– to a diverse audience.
- Use critical and creative thinking to solve problems by compiling and analyzing scientific information from library, electronic, and experimental sources. Effectively apply current technology and scientific methodologies for problem solving.
- Articulate historical, current, and theoretical issues relating to biology and society within a Christ-centered worldview that allows for evaluation of the relationship of scientific theories with ethical and religious perspectives, particularly those common to Pentecostal Christians.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Requirements 1 | 46 | |
| Biology Major Requirements | 75 | |
| General Electives | 0 | |
| Total Units | 121 | |
Biology Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division: | ||
| BIOL-111 & 111L | Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology and Principles of Biology Lab,Principles of Cell/Molecular Biology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL-112 & 112L | Principles of Organismal Biology and Principles of Organismal Biology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL-220 & 220L | Cell Biology and Cell Biology Lab | 4 |
| CHEM-120 & 120L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHEM-121 & 121L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| MATH-180C | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH-265C | Intro to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| or MATH-270C | Health Professions Statistical Methods | |
| PSCI-223C & 223CL | Mechanics of Solids and Fluids and Mechanics of Solids and Fluids Lab | 4 |
| or PSCI-130 & 130CL | and General Physics I Lab | |
| PSCI-225 & 225L | Electricity and Magnetism and Electricity and Magnetsm Lab | 4 |
| or PSCI-131 & 131L | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | |
| Lower Division Biology Elective (Lecture/Lab) | 4 | |
| Upper Division: | ||
| BIOL-309 & 309L | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL-311 & 311L | Genetics and Genetics Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL-315 & 315L | General Ecology and Ecology Field and Lab Practicum | 4 |
| BIOL-485 | Undergrad Biological Research | 2 |
| or BIOL-488 | Biology Senior Project | |
| or BIOL-450 | UG Research or Internship Program | |
| or BIOL-406 | Research Methods in Neurobiology | |
| BIOL-499C | Capstone Seminar in Biology | 2 |
| CHEM-304 & 304L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Techniques I | 4 |
| Select four (4) upper division lecture/lab combinations 2 | 16 | |
| Total Units | 75 | |
- 1
Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below.
- 2
In consultation with your academic advisor, select four lecture/lab combinations that best align with your career goals. Additional course selections in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Engineering Physics and Psychology maybe approved on a case-by-case basis.
Disclaimer: This sample Four Year Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. Vanguard University requires that students complete a minimum of 120 units of required course work as outlined on the Requirements tab in order to receive a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. If applicable, please note the footnotes at the bottom of the page for additional information related to courses listed in a particular year and term. Questions, contact the Department of Biology.
Study Abroad Participation: Students interested in participating in the university's Study Abroad programs are encouraged to reach out to the Global Education and Outreach Office for more information and collaboration in their academic course planning. Students using Education and Training Benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are encouraged to also reach out to the School Certifying Official for more information regarding how benefits can be applied.
| Year 1 Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL-111 | Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-111L | Principles of Biology Lab,Principles of Cell/Molecular Biology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM-120 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-120L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CORE-100C | Cornerstone | 1 |
| NT-101C | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| ENGL-120C | Persuasive Writing | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 1 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-112 | Principles of Organismal Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-112L | Principles of Organismal Biology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM-121 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM-121L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| MATH-180C | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| PSYC-103C | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 Term 1 | ||
| BIOL-220 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-220L | Cell Biology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM-304 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-304L | Organic Chemistry Techniques I | 1 |
| ENGL-220C | Researched Writing | 3 |
| KINE-148C | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture | 3 |
| THEO-101C | Foundations of Christian Life | 3 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 2 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-311 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL-311L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL-PLHD4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| MATH-265C | Intro to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| OT-201C | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| FINA-PLCR | Fine Arts Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 3 Term 1 | ||
| BIOL-309 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIOL-309L | Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| PSCI-130C | General Physics I | 3 |
| PSCI-130CL | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| COMM-201C | Speech Composition and Presentation | 3 |
| HIST-PLCR1 | History Core Req (US Hist Or Democracy) | 3 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Year 3 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-315 | General Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL-315L | Ecology Field and Lab Practicum | 1 |
| PSCI-131 | General Physics II | 3 |
| PSCI-131L | General Physics II Lab | 1 |
| SOC-100C | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| HIST-PLCR2 | History Core Requirement (World Civ) | 3 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Year 4 Term 1 | ||
| BIOL-488 | Biology Senior Project | 2 |
| BIOL-PLHD8 | Biology Elective 8 Units | 8 |
| THEO-300C | Developing a Christian World View | 3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Year 4 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-499C | Capstone Seminar in Biology | 2 |
| CHIS-400C | Christian Heritage | 3 |
| ENGL-230C | Literature and the Human Experience | 3 |
| BIOL-PLHD8 | Biology Elective 8 Units | 8 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Total Units | 121 | |
Year 1 Term 1 Note:
- Must pass the respective Chemistry and/or Math placement exam(s).