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BIOLOGY
Science Building
(206) 281-2351
www.spu.edu/depts/biology
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The primary goals of the Department of Biology are (1) to cultivate students who understand and respect scientific approaches to the study of life; (2) to produce graduates who demonstrate excellence in their scientific training; (3) to prepare graduates to think critically, to communicate biological principles effectively, and to make informed decisions based on a solid understanding of science and their Christian worldview; and (4) to embolden faculty and students to lead lives of grace-filled wholeness, and personal and professional integrity.
Admission to the Major
The application for major status should be made by the beginning of the junior year, after completion of the sequence in general biology. Transfer students are eligible to apply after successful completion of one 5-credit upper-division biology course at SPU. Applications are considered individually by the biology faculty, but the normal minimum requirement for admission will be a GPA of 2.5 in biology courses.
Requirements for the Biology Major
There are five tracks for biology majors, three leading to the B.S. degree and two leading to a B.A. degree. The requirements for each track are described below and in the summary table.
B.S. in Biology
102 credits; 35 upper-division in biology
This major provides preparation for graduate studies or professional careers in biology. It places special emphasis on undergraduate research. Depending upon interests and professional goals, a student may choose the core and elective coursework to emphasize botany, cellular and molecular biology, ecology, marine biology, physiology, or zoology. In addition to the core and supporting requirements indicated below, 14 credits of biology elective courses are also required. Elective courses should be discussed with biology faculty advisors. General physics is also strongly recommended. As a part of either core requirements or electives, students are required to take a minimum of 3 credits of field biology, taught primarily in the field and emphasizing field methods. Seattle Pacific field biology courses are BIO 4117, BIO 4735, BIO 4740, BIO 4744, BIO 4810, BIO 4815, BIO 4820, BIO 4825, BIO 4830, BIO 4835, BIO 4880, and BIO 4950. An undergraduate research project is required for graduation. Each student will collaborate with a faculty member on an investigation that requires a formal proposal (BIO 4978 Biological Research Proposal), and original research and presentation of results (BIO 4979). Requirements for the B.S. in Biology Option I
107 credits
This program is designed primarily for those students planning to enter a master's degree program in physical therapy. This highly interdisciplinary curriculum will satisfy the basic requirements for entry into physical therapy as outlined by the American Association of Physical Therapists. In addition to the requirements listed below, 10 elective credits are required from the following: BIO 3325, BIO 3434, BIO 4256, BIO 4413, and BIO 4418. Other recommended courses include FCS 3340, HSC 3395, MAT 1112/1114 or MAT 1221, PE 3590, and SOC 1110. Requirements for the B.S. in Biology Option II
110–130 credits; 26–28 upper-division in biology
This program is specifically designed to aid students in developing competency in the laboratory skills typically needed for entry into a career in biotechnology. The program curriculum was developed with the help of regional biotechnology industry representatives as part of the Washington State Biotechnology/Biomedical Skill Standards Project (1999–2002) and features a unique two-way articulation agreement with Shoreline Community College's bio-technology program. To be considered for this B.S. biology pathway, students must apply and be accepted into the SPU program in biotechnology; application and acceptance must be made prior to enrolling in any upper-division biology, chemistry, or biochemistry courses within the biotechnology curriculum. Prospective students should contact the director of the program in biotechnology for more information.
Requirements for the B.S. in Biology Option III
B.A. in Biology
87 credits; 25 upper-division in biology
The program provides a sound foundation for pre-professional training for medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary sciences, as well as certain other health related and applied biology fields. Other courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics should be taken to meet the demand of the student's individual plans or career goals. See additional information under Pre-Professional Health Programs.
In addition to the requirements listed in the summary table below and on page 78, 25 elective credits are required. Of these, 15 credits shall be selected from the following courses:
BIO 3320 Principles of Development
BIO 3350 Immunology
BIO 3351 General Microbiology
BIO 4325 Molecular Biology
BIO 4330 Evolutionary Mechanisms
BIO 4361/4362 Bio Chemistry
BIO 4418 Neurobiology
BIO 4420 Histology and Microscopic Technology
BIO 4615 Issues and Values in Biology
The remaining 10 credits shall be selected from the following courses:
BIO 2129/2130 Anatomy and Physiology
BIO 3432 Biodiversity: Vertebrate Biology
BIO 4413 Animal Physiology or
BIO 4415 Plant Physiology
80 credits; 30 upper-division in biology
This program is designed to provide a broad foundation in biology for liberal arts students and those preparing for the teaching profession at the junior high school or secondary level. Students preparing for biology teaching careers should become familiar with Washington state endorsement requirements prior to selecting core and elective options. Current endorsement requirements include (1) a botany course with lab (satisfied by BIO 3453, BIO 3456, BIO 4415, or BIO 4744); (2) a zoology course with lab (satisfied by BIO 3432, BIO 4413, or BIO 4740); (3) a genetics course (BIO 3325); (4) a microbiology course with lab (BIO 3351) or cell biology course with lab (BIO 4352); (5) an ecology course (satisfied by BIO 3310, BIO 4810, BIO 4815, or BIO 4825); (6) an evolution course (BIO 4330); (7) a chemistry course with lab (e.g., CHM 1211 or CHM 3371); (8) experience in lab safety, practice, and management (satisfied by BIO 2101, BIO 2102, and BIO 2103); (9) experience with inquiry-based laboratories (satisfied by upper-division biology lab courses; and (10) experience in relating science to current issues (satisfied by BIO 4615 and BIO 4899).
Admission to the Minor
Applications for a minor in biology are considered individually by the biology faculty, but the normal minimum requirement for admission to the minor will be a GPA of 2.0 in biology courses.
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