Program Requirements

B.A. Biology Requirements

B.A. Biology Requirements
Biology Core Requirement (22)
BIOL 120C
BIOL 127L
P4 General Biology
General Biology Lab
3
1
BIOL 128C SQ General Zoology 4
BIOL 213 Plant Biology 4
BIOL 214 Microbiology 4
BIOL 311
BIOL 311L
Cell Biology
Techniques In Cell Biology
3
2
BIOL 349 Junior Seminar 1
Chemistry Requirement (18)
CHEM 103C
CHEM 103L
P4 General Chemistry I
General Chemistry Lab I
3
1
CHEM 104C
CHEM 104L
General Chemistry II
General Chemistry Lab II
3
1
CHEM 201
CHEM 201L
SQ Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry Lab I
3
2
CHEM 202
CHEM 202L
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Lab II
3
2
Biology Electives (9–12)
Three 3- or 4-credit biology courses at the 300-level or higher, excluding BIOL 490, 496, 498, 499 and SSCH 498
Mathematics Requirement (3–4)
One course chosen from: Calculus I (MATH 120C), Calculus II (MATH 122C), Mathematical Modeling (MATH 170), Statistics (MATH 260 or ECON 221 or PSYC 201), or a programming course (CSCI 152, CSCI 161)
Total (52–56)

In addition, as per the College Core requirements, B.A. students in biology must take two foreign language courses, in sequence, in the same language.

B.S. Biology Requirements

B.S. Biology Requirements
Biology Core Requirement (22)
BIOL 120C
BIOL 127L
P4 General Biology
General Biology Lab
3
1
BIOL 128C SQ General Zoology 4
BIOL 213 Plant Biology 4
BIOL 214 Microbiology 4
BIOL 311
BIOL 311L
Cell Biology
Techniques In Cell Biology
3
2
BIOL 349 Junior Seminar 1
Chemistry Requirement (18)
CHEM 103C
CHEM 103L
P4 General Chemistry I
General Chemistry Lab I
3
1
CHEM 104C
CHEM 104L
General Chemistry II
General Chemistry Lab II
3
1
CHEM 201
CHEM 201L
SQ Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry Lab I
3
2
CHEM 202
CHEM 202L
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Lab II
3
2
Physics Requirement (8)
PHYS 121C P4 Introductory Physics I 4
PHYS 122C P4 Introductory Physics II 4
Biology Electives (15–20)
Five 3- or 4-credit biology courses at the 300-level or higher, excluding BIOL 490, 496 and 499.
Note: Either BIOL 498 or SSCH 498, if taken for 3 credits, may be used as one of the five biology electives.
Mathematics Requirement (6–8)
Choose one Math 120C P4 Calculus I –OR–
MATH 170 P4 Mathematical Modeling
AND the other course listed above or one of: Statistics (MATH 260 or ECON 221 or PSYC 201), Calculus II (MATH 122C), or a programming course (CSCI 152, 161)
Total (69–76)

Tailoring a Course of Study in Biology

Biology is a broad field of study. The range of biology elective courses offered permits students to tailor their academic program to meet their individual needs and interests. Additionally, students should be aware that graduate and professional programs may have specific science, math, computer science, statistics, or humanities requirements for admission. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors, the chair of the department, or with the health professions advisor for guidance regarding the selection of biology electives and other courses.

One-half of all biology credits taken to meet degree requirements must be completed at St. John Fisher College.

For students majoring in biology, all courses designated as biology courses (BIOL) that may be applied to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.

Note: SSCH 498 may be used in the calculation of the B.S. biology major's GPA if the course is worth three credits and applies as one of the major biology electives.

Students Seeking Adolescence Teaching Certification in Biology

A dual major in inclusive adolescence education and biology (B.A. program requirements) will earn a bachelor of science degree.

In addition to the content area requirements in biology, students pursuing adolescence teaching certification must also complete:

  • Inclusive adolescence education major (46)

The major includes education courses, field experiences, and student teaching, as well as courses for certification in students with disabilities (7–12), and middle school extension in the content area (5–6). See Inclusive Adolescence Education for details.

Note: As early as possible, students should consult with an education advisor to set up a program leading to certification.