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Degrees and Requirements

Biology (B.S.)

The bachelor of science program in biology is planned to provide scientific training as part of a liberal education and to give the student a basic comprehension of the main areas of biology. The program is designed to prepare the student for graduate work, for admission to medical/dental/veterinary school, for a biologically oriented career, or for research in the biological sciences.

To complete the biology (B.S.) major, a minimum of 120 credits is required, the last 30 of which must be earned at La Roche University. The required course work consists of:

  • 36 credits in biology (includes 8 credits of biology electives 200 level or above)
  • 35 credits in other science and mathematics courses
  • 34 credits to satisfy remaining Core Curriculum requirements not satisfied above.
  • 15 credits of general electives selected with the approval of the academic advisor.

Note: Those students choosing this major as preparation for medical, dental or veterinary school are advised to take the courses listed below under that category as either biology or general electives.

Summary of Requirements

Biology Requirements: 36 credits (includes 8 credits of Biology electives)

  • BIOL1003
    GENERAL BIOLOGY I

    BIOL1003
    GENERAL BIOLOGY I

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    A presentation of a comprehensive survey of the major area within modern biology with emphasis placed on unsolved problems and the nature of scientific evidence. The course explores the properties of living matter on the molecular, cellular and organismic level. Open to all science majors and non-science majors with a strong interest in biology or a professional need.

    PREREQUISITES:

    Concurrent: BIOL1005

  • BIOL1004
    GENERAL BIOLOGY II

    BIOL1004
    GENERAL BIOLOGY II

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1003 & BIOL1005 COREQUISITE: BIOL1006 A presentation of a comprehensive survey of the major area within modern biology with emphasis placed on unsolved problems and the nature of scientific evidence. The course explores the properties of living matter on the molecular, cellular and organismic level. Open to all science majors and non-science majors with a strong interest in biology or a professional need.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1003 & BIOL1005, Concurrent: BIOL1006

  • BIOL1005
    GENERAL BIOLOGY I - LAB

    BIOL1005
    GENERAL BIOLOGY I - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Selected experiments chosen to emphasize principles presented in the General Biology lecture courses.

    PREREQUISITES:

    coreg: BIOL1003

  • BIOL1006
    GENERAL BIOLOGY II - LAB

    BIOL1006
    GENERAL BIOLOGY II - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1003 & BIOL1005 COREQUISITE: BIOL1004 Selected experiments chosen to emphasize principles presented in the General Biology lecture courses.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL2025
    MICROBIOLOGY

    BIOL2025
    MICROBIOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1004 AND BIOL1006 An examination of the morphology and physiology of microorganisms with emphasis on their relationship to their environment. Topics include food, water, soil, industrial, and medical microbiology, microbial genetics, and microbial diversity. The laboratory work introduces the student to both the organisms and the techniques necessary to study them. Lecture and laboratory course.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1004 & BIOL1006

  • BIOL2025L
    MICROBIOLOGY - LAB

    BIOL2025L
    MICROBIOLOGY - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Laboratory for BIOL2025 Microbiology

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL3013
    GENETICS

    BIOL3013
    GENETICS

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1004 & BIOL1006 A study of the basic principles of heredity including Mendelian, molecular and population genetics. Topics will include the cellular functions that give rise to inherited traits, the genetic basis for evolution, the role of genetics in biotechnology, and the statistical basis for predicting the probability of inheriting certain traits.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1004 & BIOL1006

  • BIOL3014
    GENETICS - LAB

    BIOL3014
    GENETICS - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Selected experiments will emphasize the principles presented in the lecture course.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL3026
    CELL BIOLOGY

    BIOL3026
    CELL BIOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1004 AND BIOL1006 A survey course in cell biology. The ultra structure of the Eukaryotic plant and animal cell are examined and related to cell function. Special emphasis is placed on membrane structure and functions.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1004 & BIOL1006

  • BIOL3036
    BIOCHEMISTRY I (CHEM3036)

    BIOL3036
    BIOCHEMISTRY I (CHEM3036)

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM2015L AND CHEM2015 An introduction to the biochemical metabolism of the living cell. Cellular structure, macromolecules, metabolic pathways, energy transformations, regulatory mechanisms and molecular genetics are discussed. Cross-listed with CHEM3036

    PREREQUISITES:

    CHEM2015

  • BIOL3037
    BIOCHEMISTRY I - LAB (CHEM3037)

    BIOL3037
    BIOCHEMISTRY I - LAB (CHEM3037)

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    An introduction to current biochemical techniques including thin layer and column and gas chromatography, electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and DNA technology.Cross-listed with CHEM3037

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL3038
    BIOCHEMISTRY II (CHEM3038)

    BIOL3038
    BIOCHEMISTRY II (CHEM3038)

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    A continuation of BIOL3036. The course covers advanced aspects of macromolecular structure, regulatory enzymes, intermediary metabolism (to include photosynthesis, biological oxidation and the chemosmotic theory, metabolic control mechanisms), signal transduction and hormonal regulation of metabolism, and molecular aspects of the nucleic acids and genetic engineering.Cross-listed with CHEM3038

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL4059
    SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY

    BIOL4059
    SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 2/2

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM1002 AND BIOL1004 The course consists of meetings for discussion of special topics selected from various areas of scientific investigation of recent or historical origin. Reports are given on results of literature studies.

    PREREQUISITES:

    JR/SR Status & BIOL1004 & CHEM1002

  • BIOLXXXX

    BIOLXXXX

    Credits (Min/Max): /

    PREREQUISITES:

Other Science & Mathematics Courses: 35 credits

  • CHEM1001
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY I

    CHEM1001
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY I

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    A study of the basic principles governing matter, energy and matter-energy interaction. Topics include atomic structure, bonding theory, aggregated states of matter, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry.

    PREREQUISITES:

    Concurrent: CHEM1003

  • CHEM1002
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY II

    CHEM1002
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY II

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM1001 A study of the basic principles governing matter, energy and matter-energy interaction. Topics include atomic structure, bonding theory, aggregated states of matter, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry.

    PREREQUISITES:

    Concurrent: CHEM1004

  • CHEM1003
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY I - LAB

    CHEM1003
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY I - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    A series of experiments related to the content of CHEM1001 emphasizing laboratory techniques and familiarization with basic laboratory equipment. Open to all science majors and non-science majors with a strong interest in chemistry or a professional need.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • CHEM1004
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY II - LAB

    CHEM1004
    GENERAL CHEMISTRY II - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM1003 A series of experiments related to the content of CHEM1002, emphasizing laboratory techniques and familiarization with basic laboratory equipment. Open to all science majors and non-science majors with a strong interest in chemistry or a professional need.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • CHEM2015
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

    CHEM2015
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM1002 A study of the classification and characterization of organic compounds, their preparation, properties and reactions. The application of modern organic theories to these subjects is stressed. Topics include nomenclature, bond theory, stereochemistry, synthesis, mechanisms, and structure determination by instrumental methods. Lecture and laboratory course.

    PREREQUISITES:

    CHEM1002 concurrent: CHEM2015L

  • CHEM2015L
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I - LAB

    CHEM2015L
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Laboratory for CHEM2015

    PREREQUISITES:

  • CHEM2016
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

    CHEM2016
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM2015 A study of the classification and characterization of organic compounds, their preparation, properties and reactions. The application of modern organic theories to these subjects is stressed. Topics include nomenclature, bond theory, stereochemistry, synthesis, mechanisms, and structure determination by instrumental methods. Lecture and laboratory course.

    PREREQUISITES:

    CHEM2015 concurrent: CHEM2016L

  • CHEM2016L
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II - LAB

    CHEM2016L
    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM2015L Lab for CHEM2016 Organic Chemistry

    PREREQUISITES:

    CHEM2015L

  • MATH1032
    ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I

    MATH1032
    ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I

    Credits (Min/Max): 4/4

    PREREQUISITE: MATH1010 The first semester of a three-semester integrated course in the elements of analytic geometry and differential and integral calculus. Included are the concept and applications of the derivative of a function of a single variable, differentiation of polynomials and the trigonometric functions, the chain, product and quotient rules, implicit differentiation, and differentials. Concludes with anti-differentiation, integration, area under graphs of functions and applications.

    PREREQUISITES:

    MATH1010

  • MATH1033
    ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS

    MATH1033
    ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS

    Credits (Min/Max): 4/4

    PREREQUISITE: MATH1032 A continuation of MATH1032 including applications of the definite integral, area, arc length, volumes and surface area, centroids, average value and theorem of the mean for definite integrals. Derivatives and integrals of transcendental functions are followed by techniques of integration, L'Hopital's Rule and indeterminate forms and improper integrals. Also included are conic sections and polar coordinates.

    PREREQUISITES:

    MATH1032

  • MATH1040
    PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

    MATH1040
    PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: MATH1010 The study of the fundamentals of probability theory with applications to natural and social sciences as well as to mathematics. Discrete and continuous distributions, sampling theory, linear correlation, regression, statistical inference, estimation and analysis of variance are included.

    PREREQUISITES:

    MATH1010

  • PHYS1032
    GENERAL PHYSICS I

    PHYS1032
    GENERAL PHYSICS I

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: MATH1032 This is the first of a three-semester introduction to calculus-based physics stressing experimental and problem-solving techniques. Concepts covered are mechanics, kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, conservation laws, rotational motion, gravitation, oscillation, and wave/acoustics.

    PREREQUISITES:

    MATH1032, Coreq: PHYS1032L

  • PHYS1032L
    GENERAL PHYSICS I - LAB

    PHYS1032L
    GENERAL PHYSICS I - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    PREREQUISITE: MATH1032 Laboratory for PHYS1032 General Physics I

    PREREQUISITES:

  • PHYS1033
    GENERAL PHYSICS II

    PHYS1033
    GENERAL PHYSICS II

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: PHYS1032 The second of a three-semester introduction to calculus-based physics. Concepts covered are thermal properties and electromagnetism: thermo dynamics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic wave, geometrical optics, and physics optics.

    PREREQUISITES:

    PHYS1032, Coreq: PHYS1033L

  • PHYS1033L
    GENERAL PHYSICS II - LAB

    PHYS1033L
    GENERAL PHYSICS II - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Laboratory for PHYS1033 General Physics II

    PREREQUISITES:

Recommended for Medical/Dental/Veterinary School Preparation Courses: Suggested but not required

  • BIOL2021
    COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE

    BIOL2021
    COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE

    Credits (Min/Max): 4/4

    A comparative study of the structural and functional characteristics of vertebrates tracing the evolution of animals from primitive chordates to mammals. Emphasis is placed on the physical and chemical operations of vertebrates and how these operations contribute to homeostasis. Structural/functional relationships are discussed. Lecture and laboratory courses.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1004 & BIOL1006 & Concurrent: BIOL2021L

  • BIOL2022
    COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE

    BIOL2022
    COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE

    Credits (Min/Max): 4/4

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL2021 AND BIOL2021L A comparative study of the structural and functional characteristics of vertebrates tracing the evolution of animals from primitive chordates to mammals. Emphasis is placed on the physical and chemical operations of vertebrates and how these operations contribute to homeostasis. Structural/functional relationships are discussed.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL2021& Concurrent: BIOL2022L

  • BIOL4019
    IMMUNOLOGY

    BIOL4019
    IMMUNOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1004, CHEM2004, BIOL1006 This course involves the description and development of the immune system, which includes the chemical, molecular, and cellular basis of immune reactions. The genetic and chemical control of the immune response is a recurrent theme of the course. Major topics covered in the course include specific immunities, types of hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation and rejection and immune disorders and deficiencies.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1004 & BIOL1006 & CHEM1002

  • BIOL4020
    IMMUNOLOGY - LAB

    BIOL4020
    IMMUNOLOGY - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL4019 This course introduces laboratory techniques in immunology.

    PREREQUISITES: