General Biology, B.A.

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120 Credits Required for General Biology, B.A. Degree

What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in biology?
A B.S. in biology is more geared towards the medical sciences whereas a B.A. in general biology allows students to explore more interdisciplinary work.

This degree will prepare students for careers or advanced study in the life sciences field. Within the major, students have the opportunity to tailor their program plan to their career goals or pursue a biology/secondary education leading to teacher certification in biology or general science (See B.A. in Biology Secondary Education Certification section of the course catalog). The B.A. in General Biology degree also allows students to take a broader array of courses outside of the biological sciences. This flexibility in scheduling gives the students the ability to explore, adding minors or areas of study to their coursework, such as criminal justice, business, psychology, or computer science.

Mission

In accordance with the Mission Statement of Neumann University and that of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the purpose of the General Biology Program is to provide excellent undergraduate professional education in general biology that is founded on the core values of St. Francis of Assisi. By linking Franciscan values and tradition with a strong liberal arts and professional education, graduates of Neumann University’s General Biology Program will have the knowledge and skills that are required for competent professional practice; for lifelong development of that practice; for advanced study in biology, medical lab science (MLS), or education; and for fulfillment of professional and social responsibility.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the General Biology Program, a graduate will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Biology and will be proficient in the following entry level competencies:

Accurately perform a range of laboratory procedures that includes the latest in technological advances.
Apply the process of science including using the scientific method, conducting literature searches, and writing reviews on scientific topics.
Demonstrate effective communication skills in both written and oral formats.
Select appropriate test methods, and solve problems using critical thinking skills related to the life sciences.
Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior required of scientists including exploration of career opportunities and benefits of continuing education.

Admission Criteria for the Bachelor of Arts in General Biology

Incoming first year students must:

Have an overall high school GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Have a cumulative High School science GPA of 2.0 or higher and completed Biology in High School with a “C” or better.
If High School Chemistry was not taken, then the overall math and science GPA will be used in place of the science GPA requirement.
Have completed Algebra II with a grade of a “C” or better. If Algebra II was not completed, then the student is required to take both MATH-103 College Algebra at the same time as CHEM-107/117 General Chemistry I w/ lab.

Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements¹:

General Biology major leading to a Bachelor of Arts in General Biology requires students to:

Complete two semesters of 100-level general biology lecture/lab with a minimum GPA of 2.0, with no more than 4 credits of “C-” for the final course grade.
Complete two semesters of 100-level general chemistry lecture/lab with a minimum GPA of 2.0, with no more than 4 credits of “C-” for the final course grade.
Complete 100-level physics, environmental studies, or physical science with a minimum of a “C.”
Complete all 200-level biology or chemistry courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 with no more than 6 credits of a “C-“
Complete all 300-level biology courses with a “C” or better.
Complete all required math courses with a “C” or better.
Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Courses may be repeated only one time, whether the repetition is a consequence of student withdrawal from a course, institutional withdrawal from a course, or those who fail to earn a passing grade lecture or lab (as described above).
If a course required for the major must be repeated more than two times, please refer to the “Repeated Courses” policy in the Academic Regulations and Standards section of this catalog for additional information.
Internship Requirement - Students are required to complete a research experience or applied science in an off-campus setting through the Internship Program at Neumann.

Students who do not meet these requirements will be dismissed from the B.A. in General Biology degree. A student may apply for an exception to policy and must contact the Associate Dean of Sciences before the start of the following semester.

Completion of a minimum of 120 credits is required for the B.A. in General Biology.

¹Please note the required number of credits for the B.A. in General Biology and the B.A. in Biology Secondary Education Certification in Biology and General Science are not the same. Please refer to the Undergraduate Program Descriptions for the Biology Secondary Education Certification in Biology and General Sciences requirements.