Biological Science, BS

Overview

The academic setting at SDCC provides biology students with a high level of interaction with their professors, who are able to ensure that they are prepared for further study in their chosen field. The Department of Biological Science educates a young-earth creation viewpoint giving students the advantage of understanding not only the evolutionary biology necessary to pass standardized tests but also a deeper knowledge of the theories, both evolutionary and creationary, which shape our understanding of the world that God created.

Upon completion of the Biological Science major, students will:

Demonstrate comprehension of and the capability to develop and apply the “Scientific Method” to the (a) solution of a problem and (b) the expansion/extension of knowledge.

Demonstrate attainment of the basic, fundamental, factual, evidentiary body of knowledge that encompasses the field of the biological sciences; i.e. physical biology, chemical biology, systematic biology, diversity biology, genetic biology, historical biology, and comprehensive biology.

Demonstrate the attainment of the system of applied, useful, relevant-to-life-issues type of knowledge related to biology and its practical significance and implementation; i.e. medical, environmental, zoological, botanical, industrial, educational, biotechnical, etc.

Demonstrate comprehension of the major theoretical constructs within the field of biological science; i.e. origins theories (evolution, special creation), cell theory, metabolism theory, ontogeny, systematics, organismic theory, life theory, etc.

Demonstrate competent and proficient capability to search, find, review, and research the major professional literature of the biological sciences; i.e. journals, monographs, personal communication, on-line/Internet, archives, etc.

Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skill, techniques, methodology, and selection such that data collection and the data so collected are valid and reliable; included are microscope skills, dissection skills, chemical skills, physiologic skills, molecular biology skills, field skills, physics skills, etc.

Course Requirements for Biology Majors

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Science will require a minimum of 126 credit hours:
63 General Education credit hours
47 Required Core credit hours in Science
8 Elective credits hours Science
6 Elective credit hours

For a complete view of courses and descriptions, please click here.

General Education Courses

CH 201 General Inorganic Chemistry I: 4
MA 118 College Algebra: 3
BIO 204 Biological Science I: 4

Science Courses for all Biological Science Majors

BIO 205 Biological Science II: 4
BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology I: 4
BIO 212 Anatomy & Physiology II: 4
BIO 309 Genetics: 4
BIO 321 Microbiology: 4
BIO 402 Biochemistry: 4
BIO 403 Cell & Molecular Biology: 4
BIO 490 Biology Seminar: 3
CH 202 General Inorganic Chemistry II: 4
CH 308 Organic Chemistry I: 4
MA 151 Calculus I: 4
PHY 210 General Physics I: 4

Elective Options in Science

BIO 214/215 Environmental Science: 4
BIO 420 Special Topics in Biological Science: 1-4
BIO 381 Directed Research: 1-4
BIO 382 Directed Research: 1-4
BIO 481 Directed Research: 1-4
BIO 482 Directed Research: 1-4
BIO 499 Biology Internship: 1-6
CH 309 Organic Chemistry II: 4
PHY 211 General Physics II: 4

Course Requirements for Minor in Biological Science

Students intent on completing an academic minor in Biological Science must fulfill 28 credit hours in science coursework. Required courses are; BIO 204 and 205: Biological Science I and II (8 credit hours) and CHEM 201: General Inorganic Chemistry (4 credit hours). 12 additional credit hours of science coursework electives are required, with 8 of those 12 credit hours in 300/400 (upper division) level courses. Coursework to be selected with advisement from science faculty.

“I had an interest in careers that required that I have a background in science. SDCC has better equipped me for life by helping me to increase my academic knowledge and communication skills. I enjoyed great one-on-one interaction with my professors, Dr. Peterson and Professor Hillaker, who helped me gain the confidence to pursue a career in medicine. My advice to others – try to cultivate your thirst for knowledge as this will provide you energy to do well.” ~Jeremy Day, Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, 2006

“After attending a large state university, it was a relief for me to come to a campus where I had a personal and welcoming classroom environment with gracious professors who knew my name and were always willing to stay after class to explain difficult topics. When I went to take the MCAT, I felt that I had the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. As I pursue a medical career, I feel well-prepared to excel in my field while at the same time demonstrating the love of Christ to those I come into contact with.” ~Woodrow, 2011

Spotlight on SDCC Biology Graduates

2001 Gregg Gunn – Western Medical School

2001 Heather Peterson – High School Biology Teacher

2001 Kimberely Loureiro – Missionary

2002 Lisa Kederian – USC Dental School

2004 John Teague! – USC Pharmacy School

2004 Leah Mallinger -Optometry School

2004 Melody Lopez – Analytical Scientist

2006 Rachel Conant – Research Lab Assistant

2007 Victor Gunn – Pharmacy Assistant

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