Academics

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Biology Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

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

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

Freshman Course Sequence

Fall
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
Spring
BI 102: New Testament Survey 2
BY 112: General Biology 4
EN 102: British Grammar and Composition 3
MA 131: College Trigonometry 3
PE: PE Activity Elective 1
SP 102: Fundamentals of Speech 3
Total Hours 16

Sophomore Course Sequence

Fall
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
Spring
BI 202: Old Testament Survey 2
BY 312: Anatomy and Physiology 4
CH 112: General Chemistry 4
EN 204: British Literature 3
HI 102: History of Civilization 3
Total Hours 16

Junior Course Sequence

Fall
BY 331: Principles of Genetics 3
CH 211: Organic Chemistry 4
CR 370: Origins 2
MA 326: Statistics 3
PY 211: Concepts of Physics 4
Total Hours 16
Spring
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

Senior Course Sequence

Fall
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
Spring
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 6 hours of BI/BB electives must have a BI course number.