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.
- 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.
- 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 | 43 | |
| Biology Major Requirements | 74-75 | |
| General Electives | 3-2 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |
Biology Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division: | ||
| BIOL-111 & 111L | Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology and 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 |
| PSCI-130C & 130CL | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| PSCI-131 & 131L | General Physics II and General Physics II 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 five (5) upper division lecture/lab combinations from BIOL/BIOT 2 | 19-20 | |
| Total Units | 74-75 | |
- 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 Cell/Molecular Biology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM-120 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-120L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CORE-CSTN | Cornerstone | 1 |
| CORE-ENGL1 | Composition Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-THEO2 | NT Survey Requirement | 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 |
| CORE-SOBS1 | Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 1 | 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 |
| CORE-ENGL2 | Researched Writing Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-ENGL3 | Speech Composition and Presentation Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-THEO1 | Theology Intro Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 2 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-311 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL-311L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL-BIOELE4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| MATH-265C | Intro to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| CORE-ARHU3 | Fine Arts/Philosophy Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-THEO3 | OT Survey 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 |
| CORE-SCI2 | Science Fitness and Wellness Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY2 | Any General Elective 2 Units | 2 |
| Units | 13 | |
| 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 |
| CORE-ARHU1 | History/Political Science Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-SOBS2 | Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 2 | 3 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Year 4 Term 1 | ||
| BIOL-488 | Biology Senior Project | 2 |
| BIOL-BIOELE8 | Biology Electives 8 Units | 8 |
| CORE-THEO4 | Christian Worldview Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Year 4 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-499C | Capstone Seminar in Biology | 2 |
| BIOL-BIOELE8 | Biology Electives 8 Units | 8 |
| CORE-ENGL2 | Researched Writing Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-THEO5 | Christian Heritage Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |
Year 1 Term 1 Note:
- Must pass the respective Chemistry and/or Math placement exam(s).