Biology B.S. with a Concentration in Neurobiology
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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Requirements 1 | 43 | |
| Biology Major Core Requirements | 53 | |
| Concentration in Neurobiology Requirements | 26 | |
| General Electives | 0 | |
| Total Units | 122 | |
Biology Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 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-180C | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH-270C | Health Professions Statistical Methods | 3 |
| 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 | 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: | ||
| BIOL-309 & 309L | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL-311 & 311L | Genetics and Genetics Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL-499C | Capstone Seminar in Biology | 2 |
| CHEM-304 & 304L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Techniques I | 4 |
| Total Units | 49 | |
Concentration in Neurobiology
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL-353 | Neuropharmacology | 3 |
| BIOL-365 | Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | 3 |
| BIOL-406 | Research Methods in Neurobiology | 3 |
| BIOL-432 & 432L | Neuroscience and Neuroscience Lab | 4 |
| BIOL-440 & 440L | Molecular Biology and Techniques in Molecular Biology | 4 |
| PSYC-103C | Introduction to Psychology 2 | 3 |
| Select six units from the following courses (lecture/lab must be taken concurrently): 3 | 6 | |
| 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 Units | 26 | |
- 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.
| Year 1 Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CORE-100C | Cornerstone | 1 |
| BIOL-111 | Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-111L | Principles of Biology Lab,Principles of Cell/Molecular Biology Lab | 1 |
| ENGL-120C | Persuasive Writing | 3 |
| NT-101C | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| CHEM-120 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-120L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Units | 15 | |
| 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 |
| PSYC-103C | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| MATH-180C | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 Term 1 | ||
| BIOL-220 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-220L | Cell Biology Lab | 1 |
| ENGL-220C | Researched Writing | 3 |
| OT-201C | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| KINE-148C | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM-304 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM-304L | Organic Chemistry Techniques I | 1 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 2 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-311 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL-311L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| THEO-PLHD | Theology Core Requirement | 3 |
| HIST-PLCR1 | History Core Req (US Hist Or Democracy) | 3 |
| BIOL-PLHD4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| BIOL-STATS | Statistics Option | 3 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 3 Term 1 | ||
| PSCI-PLGP1 | Physics 1 Requirement | 4 |
| COMM-201C | Speech Composition and Presentation | 3 |
| BIOL-365 | Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | 3 |
| FINA-PLCR | Fine Arts Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 |
| BIOL-309 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIOL-309L | Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 3 Term 2 | ||
| BIOL-PLHD4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| PSCI-PLGP2 | Physics 2 Requirement | 4 |
| HIST-PLCR2 | History Core Requirement (World Civ) | 3 |
| BIOL-406 | Research Methods in Neurobiology | 3 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Year 4 Term 1 | ||
| THEO-300C | Developing a Christian World View | 3 |
| BIOL-PLHD4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| BIOL-404 | Neuropharmacology | 3 |
| BIOL-440 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL-440L | Techniques in Molecular Biology | 1 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Year 4 Term 2 | ||
| CHIS-400C | Christian Heritage | 3 |
| ENGL-230C | Literature and the Human Experience | 3 |
| BIOL-432 | Neuroscience | 3 |
| BIOL-432L | Neuroscience Lab | 1 |
| SOC-PLCR | Social Science Core Curriculum Reqm't | 3 |
| BIOL-499C | Capstone Seminar in Biology | 2 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 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 required Social Science for this major.