Biology
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Biology prepares students for cutting-edge careers as well as advanced study in forensic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, governmental, clinical, and academic settings. Small class sizes and hands-on laboratory experiences make the Biology program at Neumann University unique. In this major, students can choose from one of the following three tracks of study, each of which is designed as a preparation for exciting career options in the life sciences that are most compatible with their interests and career goals.
Track I focuses on the study of General Biology. Students are offered challenging biology courses that prepare them intellectually for careers in general biological fields, forensic science, and biotechnology. The degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in the health professions, such as medicine, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy. Students in this track are required to participate in off-campus research or applied science through the University’s Office of Career Development..
Track II offers a combined study of Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science. Students are taught about medical conditions and how to apply that knowledge to the performance of clinical laboratory tests. Through this learning process, students are enabled to play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. In addition, the degree provides for careers in medical, clinical, and pharmaceutical laboratories, as well as opportunities for graduate study in research, forensics, and medicine. As part of their program requirements, students must participate in and successfully complete a clinical practicum. Graduates of this track may also write to appropriate certifying agencies requesting a general certification in clinical biochemistry, clinical hematology, clinical immunohematology, and clinical microbiology.
Track III provides students the option of seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Biology and General Science as part of their program of study in Biology. Students pursuing this track of study are provided with an interdisciplinary experience that combines biology with selected education courses, including a secondary education student teaching practicum. This track enables students to pursue professional teaching positions in secondary education.
For Neumann graduates, limited space may be available in the University’s graduate program in Physical Therapy. Students interested in this option must meet all the criteria for admission into the Physical Therapy Program, as outlined in the University’s Graduate Catalog, including all prerequisite courses, and must have at least 2,000 hours of volunteer work, observation, or actual work experience in a physical therapy setting.
Mission
In accordance with the Mission Statement of Neumann University and that of the Division of Arts and Sciences, the purpose of the 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 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, clinical lab science (CLS), or education; and for fulfillment of professional and social responsibility.
Accreditation
Neumann University’s Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science Track is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont IL 60018; Telephone: 773-714-8880; Fax: 773-714-8886; or www.naacls.org.
Biology Major: Program Goals
The Program Goals of the Biology Major are to:
- Provide students with a broad educational background by using a variety of resources, laboratory experiences, and reflection related to life sciences.
- Provide a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum based on current societal trends.
- Provide excellent quality instruction in all science courses using the latest in technological advances.
- Develop in students the professional attitudes and ethics required of scientists.
- Educate the students in the merits of continuing professional education in their field.
- Provide the region served by the program with graduate biology scientists who can function at career entry levels and who can assume leadership roles in the sciences.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Biology Program, a graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and will be proficient in the following entry level competencies to:
- Perform a range of laboratory procedures that includes the latest in technological advances.
- Think critically, evaluate appropriate test methods, and solve problems related to the life sciences.
- Use computers effectively to access, analyze, and interpret information.
- Practice the scientific method in laboratory exercises.
- Communicate ideas effectively in both written and oral formats.
- Evaluate published studies and research design as an informed student.
- Conduct literature searches and write reviews on scientific topics.
- Adhere to professional and ethical attitudes required of scientists.
- Recognize the benefits of continuing education in a chosen field as a function of the growth and maintenance of professional competence.
- Perform in entry-level positions requiring a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology.
- For those students pursuing Track II of the Biology major, apply for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry Examination for Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) certification, which is administered by the Board of Certification of the ASCP upon completion of the BIO/CLS track requirements.
- For those students pursuing Track III of the Biology major, apply for the National Teachers Examination (NTE/PRAXIS) and become properly certified to teach Biology and/or General Science, pending the successful completion of all Secondary Teacher Certification requirements.
The granting of the degree is not contingent with the passing of any type of external certification or licensure examination.
Admission Criteria
Candidates for admission to the Biology major are required to:
- Complete two semesters of freshman biology with a grade of “C” or higher.
- Complete one semester of general chemistry with a grade of “C” or higher.
- Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in every required major and allied course requirement taken to date.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the time of formal application to the major.
- If seeking Secondary Teacher Certification, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 at the time of formal application to the major. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher Certification sections of this catalog for more details.
- If seeking the BIO/CLS track, provide the Program Director of the BIO/CLS track with evidence of an optimal level of individual health, as well as the student’s ability to perform in the BIO/CLS track.
- If seeking the Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science track, the student should be aware that there are specific physical, emotional, and professional expectations that must be successfully demonstrated and maintained throughout the program’s course of study.
- The physical demands that are required include the ability to:
- Perform manual laboratory procedures with dexterity;
- Operate state-of-the-art instruments, including computers;
- Use a microscope and differentiate microscopic components; and,
- Perform delicate manipulations which require good eye-hand coordination.
- The emotional demands that are required include the ability to:
- Perform laboratory procedures accurately and quickly even under stressful conditions;
- Exercise independent judgment and think logically in the performance of one’s duties; and
- Organize and assume responsibility for one’s work.
- The professional demands that are required include the ability to:
- Communicate in a professional, positive, tactful manner with patients, physicians, nurses, other health care and non-health care employees, and fellow laboratory personnel;
- Maintain patient confidentiality and exercise ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, dependability, and accountability in the performance of one’s laboratory responsibilities;
- Perform laboratory tests carefully, while maintaining efficiency and organization;
- Exercise critical thinking skills to solve problems; and
- Project a well-groomed, neat appearance.
Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements
Progression in the Biology major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires students to:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for the Secondary Education Certification program.
- Receive a grade of “C” or higher in every major course requirement and a minimum grade of “B” in every required Education course, if seeking Secondary Education Certification.
- If a course required for the major must be repeated more than one time, the permission of the Dean of the Division is required. Please refer to the “Repeated Courses ” policy in the Academic Regulations and Standards section of this catalog for additional information.
- Receive approval from the Dean of the Division of Education and Human Services for the educational component of the Secondary Teacher Certification program.
- Receive approval from the Program Director of Clinical Laboratory Science for the BIO/CLS track and meet health standards for the BIO/CLS track.
- For the BIO/CLS track, demonstrate satisfactory technical performance and professional attitude in the clinical laboratory, and maintain a satisfactory health record.
- Complete a minimum of 126 credits for the Biology major.
- Complete a minimum of 129 credits with a major in the BIO/CLS track.
- Complete a minimum of 139 credits for Secondary Teacher Certification in Biology and General Science.
Cooperative Education Requirement
Students in the Biology major are required to experience research or applied science in an off-campus setting through the Cooperative Education Program at Neumann. After completing the off-campus component, students must give a public presentation in an on-campus forum and write a research paper related to their experience.
Student Teaching fulfills the Cooperative Education requirement for students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification. The Practicum in Clinical Laboratory Science fulfills the Cooperative Education requirement for the BIO/ CLS track.
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