Nov 23, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, B.S.

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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.

Skills Level (7 credit hours)

Develops fundamental skills key for both academic and professional success.

  • Composition (3)
  • Communication (3)
  • First Year Seminar (1) - waived for transfer students

Liberal Arts Level (25 credit hours)

Provides diverse disciplinary lenses through which to examine the world. Concepts learned and viewpoints experiences at this level promote critical thinking and ethical decision-making with reference to real-life situations across the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts.

  • Arts (3)
  • History (3)
  • Literature/Rhetoric (3)
  • Mathematics (3)
  • Natural Science (4) - must include a lab
  • Philosophy (3)
  • Religious Studies (3)
  • Social Sciences (3)

Core Component Designations (6-12 credit hours)

Focuses on seeing beyond the self, immediate community, or chosen discipline. Designations include Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies, and Community Engagement, all of which call for application of learning across boundaries.

  • Interdisciplinary Studies (6)
  • Global Studies or Community Engagement (6)

Major Related Requirements

The following required courses also meet core curriculum requirements:

Major Requirements

Research Capstone

Technology Requirement

The technology requirement will be met 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:

  1. Maintain a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.3 GPA within the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.
  2. Compose an honors research proposal that is approved by the selection committee.
  3. Complete an honors-level capstone research project (two semesters of BI 493  and one semester of BI 499 ) that addresses an original research question.
  4. 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.

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