Biology B.S.

VU Biology graduates should be able to:

  1. 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.
  2. Illustrate sufficient proficiency in calculus, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics in order to understand biological concepts involving these disciplines.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Analyze and evaluate various types of scientific information including primary research articles, mass media sources and world-wide web information.
  6. Disseminate and present biological data with theoretical and historical perspectives –both in oral and written formats– to a diverse audience.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
Core Curriculum Requirements 146
Biology Major Requirements 75
General Electives0
Total Units121

Biology Major Requirements

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-180CCalculus 14
MATH-265CIntro to Statistical Methods3
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-485Undergrad Biological Research2
or BIOL-488 Biology Senior Project
or BIOL-450 UG Research or Internship Program
or BIOL-406 Research Methods in Neurobiology
BIOL-499CCapstone Seminar in Biology2
CHEM-304
304L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Techniques I
4
Select four (4) upper division lecture/lab combinations 216
Total Units75
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.


Plan of Study Grid
Year 1 Term 1Units
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
 Units15
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
 Units15
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
 Units17
Year 2 Term 2
BIOL-311 Genetics 3
BIOL-311L Genetics Laboratory 1
BIOL-PLHD4Biology Elective 4
MATH-265C Intro to Statistical Methods 3
OT-201C Old Testament Survey 3
FINA-PLCRFine Arts Core Curriculum Requirement 3
 Units17
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-PLCR1History Core Req (US Hist Or Democracy) 3
 Units14
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-PLCR2History Core Requirement (World Civ) 3
 Units14
Year 4 Term 1
BIOL-488 Biology Senior Project 2
BIOL-PLHD8Biology Elective 8 Units 8
THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View 3
 Units13
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-PLHD8Biology Elective 8 Units 8
 Units16
 Total Units121

Year 1 Term 1 Note:

  •  Must pass the respective Chemistry and/or Math placement exam(s).