Overview

Eileen Lynd-Balta, Chair

Noveera Ahmed, Michael Boller, Gregory Cunningham, Edward Freeman, Maryann Herman, Daryl Hurd, Virginia Borden-Maier, Kristin Picardo, Kathleen Savage, Theresa Westbay

The mission of the Biology Department at St. John Fisher College is to provide a foundation in the biological sciences for Biology majors, students in other departments whose degree requirements include Biology, and students who utilize Biology to satisfy elements of the College Core. Within the context of a liberal arts education and with strong emphasis on hands-on experience and personalized instruction, the Biology Department seeks to help all students think and analyze the world from a “biological perspective.” We prepare students for graduate studies in the natural sciences and health professions and/or a wide variety of careers in industry, business, and the public sector.

The department offers both the B.A. and the B.S. degrees in Biology.

B.A. Biology

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology allows a student more time to study other areas of the liberal arts as well as an opportunity to pursue a double major. The B.A. is less concentrated in terms of science requirements, though the Biology Core courses taken are identical to those taken for the Bachelor of Science degree. The B.A. degree may be of special interest to persons who want to combine another major such as Chemistry, Management, or Education with their Biology major.

B.S. Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is recommended for students who want a concentrated biological sciences program.

Health Professions

The Pre-Health Professions Program is for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, and health care-related careers other than nursing. Students interested in nursing should refer to the Wegmans School of Nursing. A degree in Biology is not required for admission to medical, pharmacy, and other health professional schools, but certain science courses are required for admission and in preparation for standardized admissions tests. Students contemplating careers in the health professions should consult with the Health Professions advisor as early in their college careers as possible. Please see Pre-Health Professions for more information.

Minor

Requirements

Note: A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses taken in residence that may be applied to the minor.

Program Requirements

B.A. Biology Requirements

In addition, as per the College Core requirements, B.A. students in Biology must take two foreign language courses in sequence in the same language.

B.S. Biology Requirements

Tailoring a Course of Study in Biology

Biology is a broad field of study. The range of Biology elective courses offered permits students to tailor their academic program to meet their individual needs and interests. Additionally, students should be aware that graduate and professional programs may have specific science, math, computer science, statistics, or humanities requirements for admission. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors or with the Chair of the department for guidance regarding the selection of Biology electives and other courses.

One-half of all Biology credits taken to meet degree requirements must be completed at St. John Fisher College.

For students majoring in Biology, all courses designated as Biology courses (BIOL) that may be applied to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.

Note: SSCH 498 may be used in the calculation of the B.S. Biology major's GPA if the course is worth three credits and is supervised by a Biology faculty member.

Recommended Progression

Biology Core

In addition to the courses noted below, students are expected to complete other requirements previously listed for either the B.A. or B.S. degree and the undergraduate College Core. Students should consult Core Requirements for details.

*One semester of BIOL 440 (Seminar) is required and may be taken during either the fall or spring semester of the senior year.

B.A. Biology

Recommended progression of courses required for the B.A. Biology major. In addition to the courses noted below, students are expected to complete the undergraduate College Core. Students should consult Core Requirements for details.

B.S. Biology

Recommended progression of courses required for the B.S. Biology major. In addition to the courses noted below, students are expected to complete the undergraduate College Core. Students should consult Core Requirements for details.