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Major

Major Requirements
The Biology program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the discipline from the chemical basis of biology through to complex relationships involved in ecosystems. Classes are designed not only to transmit the content of the discipline but to allow students to experience the processes involved in the discovery and understanding of biological principles. They are encouraged develop critical thinking skills and evaluative techniques that can be applied not only to understanding biology but other aspects of God's creation.


Biology major requirements:
36 hours of Biology including

  • BIOL 241 An Introduction to Organisms, Populations and Ecosystems (4)
  • BIOL 242 An Introduction to Physiology, Cell Biology and Genetics (4)
  • BIOL 252 Introduction to Biological Research - Model Research Systems (4) - a research methods course taken in the sophomore year
  • BIOL 351 General Ecology (4)
  • One advanced course in botany either -

BIOL 341Plant Physiology,
BIOL 342 Plant Morphology & Development,
BIOL 343 Plant Taxonomy, or
BIOL 344 Economic Botany.

  • BIOL 356 Genetics (4)
  • BIOL 494 The Integrated Biologist (2) - Senior capstone.

Up to 10 hours, including Ecology and a botany course, may be taken in the summer at the Black Hills Science Station.

Courses to meet the remaining 10 hours of the major requirement are selected from the wide range of courses available on the basis of the student's interests and career plans.

The courses are listed on the course listing page

Required supporting courses:
In addition, the following supporting courses are required:

  • CHEM 236 & 237 followed by two semesters of organic chemistry, CHEM 341 and 342.
  • Alternately, a student can take CHEM 221 and 222 followed by a semester of organic chemistry, CHEM 241. In this case a student is required to take an additional four hours of science to be approved by the advisor on the basis of the student's educational goals. Biology faculty are prepared to advise students regarding courses that will best prepare them for graduate programs, health professions, or other career objectives.


Major with a Biotechnology emphasis:
Prequirements are 36 hours of Biology including

  • BIOL 241 An Introduction to Organisms, Populations and Ecosystems
  • BIOL 242 An Introduction to Physiology, Cell Biology and Genetics
  • BIOL 252 Introduction to Biological Research - Model Research Systems
  • BIOL 341 Plant Physiology
  • BIOL 351 General Ecology
  • BIOL 356 Genetics
  • BIOL 358 Techniques in Recombinant DNA or
  • BIOL 374 Bioinformatics
  • BIOL 362 Cell & Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 364 Microbiology & Immunology
  • BIOL 494 The Integrated Biologist
  • Required supporting courses are CHEM 236-237, followed by CHEM 341 and 342. CHEM 241 plus an additional support course in science may be taken in place of 341, 342. CHEM 461 and PHIL 317 are recommended.

 

Requirements for a minor in Biology
20 hours of Biology including BIOL 241 An Introduction to Organisms, Populations and Ecosystems and BIOL 242 An Introduction to Physiology, Cell Biology and Genetics and 12 hours recommended by a student's advisor and approved by the Biology Department in accordance with the student's goals.


Honors in Biology
To be eligible to apply for departmental honors a student must have an overall GPA of 3.5 and a GPA in Biology of 3.7 (supporting courses may also be considered). The description of specific requirements for honors is included in the college catalogue:

An honors program in this department requires at least six hours of biological research credit or its equivalent. This requirement can be met by either
(1) 6 credits in BIOL 495 or
(2) A research experience off campus or as a Summer Researcher at Wheaton.

In either case communication of results in a publishable paper (in preparation, in review or in press) or communication of results at a scientific meeting (NCUR, CUR, ACCA or any professional society meeting) or an equivalent professional accomplishment as determined by the Department of Biology is also required. A minimum GPA of 3.70 in the major, and participation in departmental and college activities are also considered in awarding of departmental honors. An application for honors consideration in Biology can be obtained from the departmental office. Application for honors must be made by March 30 of the student's senior year or by October 30 for a December graduation, these dates are subject to change each year.


Awards in Biology
Click Here for more info.

Teaching Certification by the State of Illinois
In coordination with the Education Department Biology majors can meet the requirements for teacher certification at the elementary and secondary level. 32 hours in core requirements consisting of BIOL 241, 242, 252, 321, 351, 356, 364, 494, and a botany course (10 hours of biology including the required ecology and botany course and one other elective can be taken in the summer program at the Wheaton College Science Station in the Black Hills.) Supporting courses in CHEM 236-237 or CHEM 221-222 and CHEM 241, and GEOL 211, PHYS 221, and ASTR 301 or 302 are currently required for NCATE certification. Science 321 Science for Middle and High School Teachers is also required, as well as teacher certification courses that are listed in the Department of Education section of the catalog. Students opting for this track should spend at least two years in laboratory-assisting in the Biology Department. This program may require more than four years to complete but will lead to NCATE certification in teaching secondary science.

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is available with a Biology major. A Combined Bachelor's/MAT program may be completed in six years and one summer. See the Education section in the catalog. http://www.wheaton.edu/sci_teach/

 





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