Biology B.S. with a Concentration in Neurobiology

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 143
Biology Major Core Requirements53
Concentration in Neurobiology Requirements26
General Electives0
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-270CHealth Professions Statistical Methods3
or MATH-265C Intro to 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
Upper Division:
BIOL-309
309L
Microbiology
and Microbiology Laboratory
4
BIOL-311
311L
Genetics
and Genetics Laboratory
4
BIOL-499CCapstone Seminar in Biology2
CHEM-304
304L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Techniques I
4
Total Units49

Concentration in Neurobiology

BIOL-353Neuropharmacology3
BIOL-365Neurobiology of Learning and Memory3
BIOL-406Research Methods in Neurobiology3
BIOL-432
432L
Neuroscience
and Neuroscience Lab
4
BIOL-440
440L
Molecular Biology
and Techniques in Molecular Biology
4
PSYC-103CIntroduction to Psychology 23
Select six units from the following courses (lecture/lab must be taken concurrently): 36
Human Anatomy
and Human Anatomy Laboratory
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
and Comp Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
Human Physiology
and Human Physiology Lab
Biology of Cancer
Adv. Research Methods in Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
and Bioinformatics Laboratory
Immunology
and Immunology Lab
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Technqs II
Biochemistry
and Experimental Tech/Biochemistry
Total Units26
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, Biology, 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.


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
OT-201C Old Testament Survey 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
THEO-101C Foundations of Christian Life 3
HIST-PLCR1History Core Req (US Hist Or Democracy) 3
 Units17
Year 3 Term 1
BIOL-432 Neuroscience 3
BIOL-432L Neuroscience Lab 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
 Units15
Year 3 Term 2
BIOL-353 Neuropharmacology 3
PSCI-131 General Physics II 3
PSCI-131L General Physics II Lab 1
BIOL-PLHD4Biology Elective 4
HIST-PLCR2History Core Requirement (World Civ) 3
FINA-PLCRFine Arts Core Curriculum Requirement 3
 Units17
Year 4 Term 1
BIOL-365 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 3
BIOL-440 Molecular Biology 3
BIOL-440L Techniques in Molecular Biology 1
THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View 3
BIOL-PLHD4Biology Elective 4
 Units14
Year 4 Term 2
BIOL-406 Research Methods in Neurobiology 3
BIOL-499C Capstone Seminar in Biology 2
CHIS-400C Christian Heritage 3
ENGL-230C Literature and the Human Experience 3
SOC-PLCRSocial Science Core Curriculum Reqm't 3
 Units14
 Total Units124

 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 required Social Science for this major.