| |
Jan 29, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, B.S.
|
|
 Return to: Programs of Study
The Bachelor of Science program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the departments of Biology and Physical Sciences. The major will enable students for possible futures in the health professions, research in academics, the government, or private industry, education, or non-science related fields including law.
|
Core Requirements
All students must complete the Avila University Core Curriculum as a part of their degree programs. The Core consists of a minimum of 39 credit hours that meet the requirements listed below. Please go to Core Curriculum for more information and to view all Core classes.
Core Foundations (9-11 credit hours)
Foundations requirements provide the basic skills essential for effective participation in other classes as well as the professional world.
Core Pillars & Levels (30 credit hours)
Pillars and Levels requirements address the breadth of knowledge expected of a liberal arts education and challenges students to integrate prior knowledge and create new ideas through higher levels of coursework.
Cross-Application Note: All courses that meet a Pillar also meet a Level and may meet a Designation requirement. Some courses taken for major and/or minor requirements may also meet Core requirements.
| CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES |
| |
|
Social Justice & Civic Life Pillar
(6 credit hours required) |
Creativity & Culture Pillar
(6 credit hours required)
|
Belief & Reason Pillar
(6 credit hours required) |
Explorations of Nature Pillar
(6 credit hours required) |
|
24 credit hours required
|
ACQUIRE LEVEL |
|
|
|
|
| TRANSFORM LEVEL |
|
|
|
|
| 6 credit hours required |
CONTRIBUTE LEVEL |
|
|
|
|
Core Designations
Core Component Designations requirements incorporate assignments and experiences focused on developing and deepening student understanding to prepare students for responsible lifelong contributions to the global community.
| CORE Designations |
|
Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
(9 credit hours)
|
Global Studies (GS)
(9 credit hours)
|
Community Engagement (CE)
(3 credit hours)
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer Students
The Core Component Designations requirement for transfer students is determined by the number of credit hours transferred to Avila University. Please see the Transfer Students page within this catalog.
Cross-Application
As noted above, courses can have multiple designations and thus meet multiple requirements at once.
Example: BI 215 - Humans & the Environment (3) meets all of the following requirements:
- Belief & Reason Nature Pillar
- Transform Level
- Global Studies (GS) Designation
- Major Requirement
Major Related Requirements
Major Requirements
Required courses for the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major:
Technology Requirement
Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of the following course with a C grade or better.
BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology with Honors
The Honors Track in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology emphasizes hands-on experience with research techniques applicable to a broad range of fields in modern biology and chemistry. Students completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with Honors will be prepared to pursue competitive careers in academic research, private industry, medicine, and related fields. To qualify for honors status, students must:
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.3 GPA within the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.
- Compose an honors research proposal that is approved by the selection committee.
- Complete an honors-level capstone research project (two semesters of BI 493 and one semester of BI 499 ) that addresses an original research question.
- Present research at a venue approved by the student’s mentor.
Students interested in the honors program must first enroll as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors. They should plan their academic program early to complete course work within the major that prepares them sufficiently for the demands of honors research.
Students who have maintained a qualifying GPA and have identified a research mentor to supervise their honors capstone project can apply for honors status during their third year of study, when they enroll in BI 493 . Honors students work closely with biology and chemistry faculty to complete an original laboratory or field research project that spans at least three semesters prior to graduation. The capstone project is subject to periodic review and must meet with the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology faculty’s approval to qualify for honors.
Outcomes
Outcome 1.
Provide an explanation of the importance of the scientific method for understanding natural phenomena.
Outcome 2.
Demonstrate understanding of biology at the level of molecules, cells, systems, organisms, and ecosystems.
Outcome 3.
Explain key concepts in molecular biology and biochemistry.
Outcome 4.
Demonstrate scientific quantitative skills, such as the ability to evaluate experimental design, read graphs, and understand and use information from scientific papers.
Outcome 5.
Effectively communicate scientific data and ideas in both written and oral formats.
Assessment
The outcomes for the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major are assessed throughout the curriculum through a combination of course written examinations, laboratory written and oral presentations, laboratory examinations, and completion of a final written report. The final report is based on a laboratory or library research project or an internship in the field. The entire Biochemistry & Molecular Biology faculty reviews this report.
|
Return to: Programs of Study
|
|
