Biology B.S. with an Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
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.
This program is associated with the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Requirements 1 | 43 | |
| Biology Major Core Requirements | 51 | |
| General Electives | 0 | |
| Integrated Teacher Education Program Requirements | 37 | |
| Total Units | 131 | |
Biology Major Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Requirements: | ||
| 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 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| 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 |
| PSCI-223C & 223CL | Mechanics of Solids and Fluids and Mechanics of Solids and Fluids Lab | 4 |
| or PSCI-130 & 130CL | Introduction to 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 Requirements: | ||
| 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-485 | Undergrad Biological Research | 2 |
| or BIOL-488 | Biology Senior Project | |
| or BIOL-450 | UG Research or Internship Program | |
| BIOL-499C | Capstone Seminar in Biology | 2 |
| Select one of the following Ecology Focus courses (lecture and lab must be taken concurrently): | 4 | |
| General Ecology and Ecology Field and Lab Practicum | ||
| Mountain Field Biology | ||
| Desert Field Ecology | ||
| Coastal Ecology | ||
| Total Units | 51 | |
Integrated Teacher Education Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements: | ||
| MATH-265C | Intro to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| or MATH-270C | Health Professions Statistical Methods | |
| POLS-155C | American Democracy 2 | 3 |
| EDUC-315 | Teaching in a Multicultural Setting | 3 |
| ENGL-453 | Language, Culture, and Linguistics | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select one UD lecture/laboratory combination from BIOL 3 | 4 | |
| Credentialing Coursework: | ||
| EDUC-424 | Foundations in Teaching for Single Subject | 2 |
| EDUC-426 | Instructional Design and Subject Specific Pedagogy for Single Subject | 4 |
| EDUC-434 | Curriculum Unit Planning for Single Subject | 2 |
| EDUC-435 | Supervised Fieldwork for Single Subject | 4 |
| EDUC-442 | CalTPA Cycle 1 | 0.5 |
| EDUC-443 | CalTPA Cycle 2 | 0.5 |
| EDUC-444 | Language Acquisition for Secondary Students | 1 |
| EDUC-447 | Metacognition/Reading Strategies for Secondary Students | 1 |
| EDUC-452 | Literacy in Content Areas for Secondary Students | 1 |
| EDUC-464 | Use of Technology in the Classroom | 1 |
| EDUC-488 | Clinical Practice Seminar for Single Subject | 2 |
| EDUC-489 | Clinical Practice Fieldwork for Single Subject | 8 |
| Total Units | 43 | |
- 1
Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below.
- 2
POLS-155C American Democracy is both a CTC Credential 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 Chemistry, Education, Environmental Sciences, Kinesiology, Mathematics, 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 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.