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Description of the Biology Program 2007-2008

Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.

The courses listed for each of the following emphases are the minimum requirements. Higher-level supporting courses may be appropriate for students pursuing certain careers. Students should consult with their advisors for proper course selections. All majors require a Capstone Course.

Biology Major: Comprehensive Programs

All Biology majors require the 18-credit Biology Nucleus.

Biology Nucleus

Cell Biology/Pre-Medicine Emphasis

The Cell Biology/Pre-Medicine Emphasis requires a minimum of 68 credits, including the 18-credit Biology Nucleus, 16 additional credits in Biology, and 34 credits of supporting courses.

Required Biology courses:

Three of the following:

At least two credits of Capstone Experience courses:

Minimum supporting courses:

Environmental Biology and Ecology Emphasis

The Environmental Biology and Ecology Emphasis requires a minimum of 61 credits, including the 18-credit Biology Nucleus, 17 additional credits in Biology and 26 credits of supporting courses.

Required Biology Courses:

Two of the following systems and applications courses:

Two of the following organismal courses:

At least two credits of Capstone Experience courses:

Minimum Supporting Courses:

Wildlife Biology Concentration: Environmental Biology and Ecology students may concentrate in wildlife biology. This concentration is intended for students seeking certification as a professional wildlife biologist from the Wildlife Society. Additional courses in humanities, social sciences, communications, and public policy and administration are also required. Appropriate courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

General Biology Emphasis

The General Biology Emphasis requires a minimum of 54 credits including the 18-credit Biology Nucleus, 14 credits of 300- and 400-level Biology electives, and 22 credits of supporting courses:

The following restrictions apply: Biology electives must include at least two credits of either BIOL 302 Ecology Laboratory and Recitation or BIOL 313 Cell and Genetics Laboratory; at least two credits of Capstone courses (BIOL 495 Senior Seminar, or BIOL 496 Senior Thesis); 300 and 400-level Biology electives must be selected in consultation with an advisor; CHEM 471 Biochemistry I, may be used to satisfy up to four credits; Biology faculty approval is required to apply more than three credits of BIOL 392 Independent Study or SCI 499 Internship in Science.

Pre-Allied Health Emphasis

The Pre-Allied Health Emphasis requires a minimum of 57 credits including the 18-credit Biology Nucleus, 17 additional biology credits, and 22 credits of supporting courses. Appropriate chemistry and physics courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

Required Biology courses:

At least two credits of Capstone Experience Courses:

Minimum supporting courses:

Secondary Licensure Emphasis

The Secondary Licensure Emphasis requires a minimum of 62 credits including the 18-credit Biology Nucleus, 8 additional credits in Biology, and 36 credits in supporting courses. Students must fulfill the requirements for the Secondary Licensure Option described under Education. EDUC 489 Secondary Student Teaching fulfills the Capstone Requirement for students completing this emphasis.

Required Biology courses:

Either:

or both of the following:

Minimum supporting courses:

Biology Minor

A minimum of 18 credits is required, including:

Substitutions

The following substitutions may be used to satisfy biology degree requirements: CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry (3 credits), CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry (3 credits), CHEM 334 Organic Chemistry Lab I (1 credit), CHEM 335 Organic Chemistry Lab II (1 credit), may be substituted for CHEM 105 Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (3 credits), and CHEM 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry Lab (1 credit); PHYS 170 Principles of Physics I (4 credits), may be substituted for PHYS 140 Introductory Physics with lab (4 credits); PHYS 200 General Physics I (5 credits), PHYS 201 General Physics II (5 credits), may be substituted for PHYS 170 Principles of Physics I (4 credits), PHYS 171 Principles of Physics II (4 credits).

Capstone Course Requirement

The following courses in the Biology Major fulfill the Capstone Course Requirement: BIOL 495 Senior Seminar, BIOL 496 Senior Thesis, or EDUC 409 Secondary Student Teaching (Secondary Licensure Emphasis).




Biology Program Information:

Contact Information:

  • Phone:
    970.943.2015
  • Fax:
    970.943.7120
  • Email:
    pfrench@western.edu
  • Administrative Assistant:  
    Pam French
  • Address:
    Biology Program
    Hurst Hall 128
    Western State College of Colorado
    Gunnison, CO 81231
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