Biology B.S. with a Concentration in Biomedical Science

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. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Analyze and evaluate various types of scientific information including primary research articles, mass media sources and world-wide web information.
  5. Disseminate and present biological data with theoretical and historical perspectives –both in oral and written formats– to a diverse audience.
  6. 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 140
Biology Major Core Requirements51
Concentration in Biomedical Science Requirements30-31
General Electives0
Total Units121-122

Biology Major Requirements

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-180CCalculus 14
PSCI-130C
130CL
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
PSCI-131
131L
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
MATH-265CIntro to Statistical Methods3
Upper Division:
BIOL-309
309L
Microbiology
and Microbiology Laboratory
4
BIOL-311
311L
Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory
4
CHEM-304
304L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Techniques I
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
Total Units51

Concentration in Biomedical Science 

BIOL-302
302L
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
and Comp Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
4
BIOL-304
304L
Human Physiology
and Human Physiology Lab
4
CHEM-305
305L
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Technqs II
4
CHEM-430
430L
Biochemistry
and Experimental Tech/Biochemistry
4
PSYC-103CIntroduction to Psychology 23
Select three (3) Upper Division Lecture/Laboratory courses from BIOL/BIOT 311-12
Total Units30-31
1

Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below. 

2

PSYC-103C Introduction to Psychology is both a program requirement and fulfills a CORE Curriculum requirement. 

3

In consultation with your academic advisor, select one lecture/lab combination that best aligns with your career goals. Additional course selections in Kinesiology or Psychology may be 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's degree. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. 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 Cell/Molecular Biology Lab 1
CHEM-120 General Chemistry I 3
CHEM-120L General Chemistry I Lab 1
CORE-CSTNCornerstone 1
CORE-ENGL1Composition Requirement 3
CORE-THEO2NT Survey Requirement 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
CORE-ENGL2Researched Writing Requirement 3
CORE-SCI2Science Fitness and Wellness Requirement 3
CORE-THEO1Theology Intro Requirement 3
 Units17
Year 2 Term 2
BIOL-311 Genetics 3
BIOL-311L Genetics Laboratory 1
CHEM-305 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHEM-305L Organic Chemistry Technqs II 1
MATH-265C Intro to Statistical Methods 3
CORE-ARHU3Fine Arts/Philosophy Requirement 3
CORE-THEO3OT Survey Requirement 3
 Units17
Year 3 Term 1
BIOL-302 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy 3
BIOL-302L Comp Vertebrate Anatomy Lab 1
BIOL-309 Microbiology 3
BIOL-309L Microbiology Laboratory 1
PSCI-130C General Physics I 3
PSCI-130CL General Physics I Lab 1
CORE-ENGL3Speech Composition and Presentation Requirement 3
 Units15
Year 3 Term 2
BIOL-304 Human Physiology 3
BIOL-304L Human Physiology Lab 1
BIOL-485 Undergrad Biological Research 1-4
BIOL-BIOELE4Biology Elective 4
PSCI-131 General Physics II 3
PSCI-131L General Physics II Lab 1
CORE-ARHU1History/Political Science Requirement 3
 Units16-19
Year 4 Term 1
BIOL-BIOELE4Biology Elective 4
CHEM-430 Biochemistry 3
CHEM-430L Experimental Tech/Biochemistry 1
CORE-SOBS1Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 1 3
CORE-THEO4Christian Worldview Requirement 3
 Units14
Year 4 Term 2
BIOL-499C Capstone Seminar in Biology 2
BIOL-BIOELE4Biology Elective 4
CORE-ENGL2Researched Writing Requirement 3
CORE-THEO4Christian Worldview Requirement 3
 Units12
 Total Units121-124

Notes:

  • Year 1, Term 1: Must pass the respective Chemistry and/or Math placement exam(s).
  • Year 1, Term 2: PSYC-103C Introduction to Psychology is a Social Science requirement for this major.