Biology B.S. with a Concentration in Ecology

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 Requirements46
Biology Major Core Requirements53
Concentration in Ecology Requirements23
General Electives 0
Total Units122

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
PSCI-223C
223CL
Mechanics of Solids and Fluids
and Mechanics of Solids and Fluids Lab
4
or PSCI-130C
130CL
General Physics I
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
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-499CCapstone Seminar in Biology2
CHEM-304
304L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Techniques I
4
Total Units53

Concentration in Ecology

BIOL-345CMountain Field Biology4
BIOL-346CDesert Field Ecology4
BIOL-366
366L
Plant Ecology
and Plant Ecology Lab
4
BIOL-456Principles of Conservation Biology3
BIOL-450UG Research or Internship Program2
or BIOL-485 Undergrad Biological Research
or BIOL-488 Biology Senior Project
Choose six units from the following courses:6
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
and Comp Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
Human Physiology
and Human Physiology Lab
Coastal Ecology
Special Topic in Biology
Intro to Soil Sciences
and Intro to Soil Sciences Lab
Intro to Geo Info System (GIS)
Students may choose up to 3 courses from Au Sable Institute summer program. Students can choose courses related to interest: animal, marine, plant.
Total Units23

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 Biological Sciences.

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.