Biology Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

Biology lab
A Graduate’s Perspective

I’m grateful for the teachers who have poured their lives into mine. Biology department teachers consistently did whatever they could to help me. That help often meant explaining concepts I didn’t understand. When I missed one of my classes, my teacher took the time to meet with me and explain material he had covered. When the time came to look into graduate school, my teachers helped me by offering advice and gathering information on various graduate programs. Many of the faculty have done extensive graduate work themselves making their ministry to students an invaluable resource. The example set for me by the faculty has influenced me to do my best. — Rachel, PCC 2009 Graduate
(not pictured)

The study of living things has fascinated mankind since the Creation. From the beginning, man has been naming, studying, and using living things. In Gen. 1:28, “God said unto them, . . . have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Biology enables one to observe the variety and design of life. Applying the scientific method in biological research, students begin to understand how living things function and how they depend upon each other for sustenance. They also learn what conditions interfere with normal life processes and how many of these conditions can be prevented, reduced, or even cured.

Students pursuing a biology major to prepare for medical school should consult their faculty advisors about recommended course sequence prior to their first registration for classes.

High School Preparations: Recommended high school preparation for a biology major is 2 units of algebra, and 1 unit each of biology and chemistry. Opportunities are available to make up certain deficiencies. In this case, time required to complete a biology degree could be expected to increase.

Academic Requirements: Students must have at least a “C” in all biology courses. Because of the concentration of courses in chemistry and physics, students in this major do not have to complete a minor. Chemistry may be claimed as a minor by completing 3 additional hours of 300- or 400-level chemistry. Science cannot be claimed as a minor.

Academic Program Fee: $110 per semester or $27.50 per payment.

Recommended Course Sequence

FallSpringFreshman
BI 101 New Testament Survey 2
BY 111 General Biology 4
EN 101 English Grammar and Composition 3
MA 122 College Algebra II 3
PE   PE Activity Elective 1
SP 101 Fundamentals of Speech 3
Total Hours
 16
BI 102 New Testament Survey 2
BY 112 General Biology 4
EN 102 English Grammar and Composition 3
MA 131 College Trigonometry 3
PE   PE Activity Elective 1
SP 102 Fundamentals of Speech 3
Total Hours
 16
FallSpringSophomore
BI 201 Old Testament Survey 2
BY 311 Anatomy and Physiology 4
CH 111 General Chemistry 4
EN 202 American Literature 3
HI 101 History of Civilization 3
Total Hours
 16
BI 202 Old Testament Survey 2
BY 312 Anatomy and Physiology 4
CH 112 General Chemistry 4
EN 204 English Literature 3
HI 102 History of Civilization 3
Total Hours
 16
FallSpringJunior
BI/BB Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ 2
BY 331 Principles of Genetics 3
CH 211 Organic Chemistry 4
MA 326 Statistics 3
PY 211 Concepts of Physics 4
Total Hours
 16
BI/BB Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ 2
BY 206 Microbiology 4
CH 212 Organic Chemistry 4
PY 212 Concepts of Physics 4
    Social Science Elective 3
Total Hours
 17
FallSpringSenior
BI/BB Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ 2
BY 430 Professional Issues in Biology 3
BY   Elective 3
ED 430 Instructional Methods1 2
    Elective 3
    Social Science Elective 3
Total Hours
 16
BI/BB Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ 2
BY 450 Biotechnology 3
BY   Elective 3
CH 306 Biochemistry 4
    Social Science Elective 3
 
Total Hours
 15

1 Double majors also take ED 431.
‡ At least 4 hours out of 8 hours of BI/BB electives must have a BI course number.