All fields of study leading to the Biology major consist of two curricular components - fundamentals and specialization. The fundamentals provide the learner with the basic terminology, concepts and perspectives necessary for further work in biology; upon completion of these prerequisites, the learner may then advance into the specialized track of her/his choice. The courses in the standard fundamentals sequence include: BI 205 & 205L, BI 206 & 206L, BI 207 & 207L, and LL 185 as necessary. Students transferring into biology may find a second entry into some tracks more appropriate; this entry can be gained through the following alternate fundamentals sequence: BI 205 & 205L, BI206 & 206L, BI 214 & 214L, BI 215 & 215L, and LL 185 as necessary.
Biology: Professional Course of Study
The Professional course of study in biology prepares the graduate for entry into post-baccalaureate professional programs such as medical or dental school.
This course of study also prepares the graduate interested in pursuing a research career in the biological sciences for entry into graduate school.
The requirements for entry into this course of study include the standard fundamentals sequence plus CH 105 & 105L and 106 & 106L and MA 120 or above.
Biology courses required for completion include: BI 325 & 325L; 430 & 430L; 435 & 435L.
A learner in the Professional course of study also participates in a capstone seminar (BI 451), a research project (BI 452, 461 or 475), program evaluations, and service learning in biology.
Other courses required for completion are CH 221 & 221L, 222 & 222L, 422 & 422L; PY 201 & 201L and 202 & 202L; and six credits at or above MA 120.
Biology Course of Study
The Biology course of study prepares the graduate both for immediate entry-level employment and for graduate work in a variety of specialized biology disciplines.
The requirements for entry into this course of study include the standard fundamentals sequence plus CH 105 & 105L and 106 & 106L and MA 120 or above.
Biology courses required for completion include: BI 325 & 325L; 430 & 430L; 435 & 435L and 8 biology elective credits at or above the 300 level.
A learner in this track also participates in a capstone seminar (BI 451), a research project (BI 452, 461 or 475), program evaluations, and service learning in biology.
Three additional hours of approved microcomputer/mathematics are required to complete this concentration.
Additional course work recommended for the learner who anticipates either attending graduate or medical school or entering technological fields includes CH 221 & 221L, 222 & 222L, 422 & 422L; PY 201 & 201L and 202 & 202L; and MA 121 & 122.
Biotechnology Courses of Study
The Biotechnology program at Ursuline College is a joint program between Ursuline and Lakeland Community College.
It benefits students in the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology by combining hands-on technical experiences gained at Lakeland with the philosophical and traditional four-year experience gained at Ursuline.
Biology majors gain extensive experience in utilizing key laboratory equipment and apparatus such as fluorescence microscopy, laminar flow cabinets for microbiological culturing, and biofermenters, at Lakeland; in addition, PCR, DNA restriction digests and other biotechniques will be used at Ursuline.
This program was designed with members of the biotechnology industry in the Cleveland area who have requested that their employees have a Bachelor's degree.
Academic internships and/or co-op opportunities are also associated with this program.
Applied Science/ Bioscience Technology
The requirements for entry into this field of study include an Associate of Applied Sciences in Bioscience Technology from Lakeland Community College.
Upon matriculation to Ursuline, the requirements include Stages II and III of the Ursuline Studies Program along with BI 333, 333L; 4 Biology electives (only 1 at the 200 level) and 2 general electives chosen with the approval of the biotechnology faculty advisor.
Biotechnology Course of Study
The requirements for this major include the standard fundamental sequence plus CH 105, 105L, 106, 106L;
MA 212; BI 333, 333L, 451, 462, and Biology electives along with the requirements for the Bioscience Technology certification from Lakeland Community College.
Some of the entry-level courses in this certification program may be taken at Ursuline, including courses taken via distance learning.
Life Science Course of Study
The Life Science course of study enables a student to graduate with two majors-one in biology and another that is not in a natural/physical science.
This allows the graduate to pursue a variety of blended career opportunities.
Clinical therapists (art, psychology), science writers (English), science illustrators (art), and environmental policy makers (business, public relations) exemplify careers that may utilize an awareness of the natural world and the process of science in conjunction with another discipline.
Entry requirements into this course of study include either fundamentals sequence plus CH 103 & 103L and 104 & 104L and MA 119 or above.
The specialization component of this course of study enables a learner to choose one course within each of the following hierarchic levels of biology:
- as an environmental course, either BI 211 & 211L or BI 325 & 325L
- as an organismal course, either BI 313 & 313L, BI 320 & 320L, BI 380, or a designated organismal physiology course (BI 488)
- as a cellular biology course, either BI 333 & 333L, BI 430 & 430L, or BI 435 & 435L
- as a global biology course, either BI 451 or BI 475. Additionally, the student must complete 34 elective credits in biology at or above the 300 level, 3 additional hours of approved mathematics/ microcomputers, program evaluations, and service learning in biology.
Environmental Science Course of Study
The Environmental Science course of study prepares the graduate for general careers in the public or corporate domains as environmental health specialists, inspectors, etc.
Because specific environmental positions vary in their academic requirements, a student pursuing this concentration may wish to take additional courses that meet her/his specific needs.
Entry into this field of study requires either fundamentals sequence plus CH 105 & 105L and 106 & 106L and MA 119 or above.
Courses required to complete the concentration include BI 313 & 313L, BI 325 & 325L, BI 333 & 333L, BI 451, 461, and 475.
Additionally, students must complete 6-8 elective credits in biology at or above the 300 level, MA 212, program evaluations, and service learning in biology.
Health Science Course of Study
The Health Science course of study prepares the graduate for careers in health-related sectors of the economy such as speech pathology, audiology, physical or occupational therapy, orthotics/prosthetics, or blood bank speciality.
Increasingly health-related employers seek college graduates who attend specialized postbaccalaureate programs with clinical rotations.
Ursuline College prepares the student to enter these clinically-oriented post-baccalaureate programs by providing a strong foundation in the natural sciences.
The requirements for entry into the Health Science course of study include either fundamentals sequence plus CH 103 & 103L and 104 & 104L and MA 120 or above.
Completion of this program requires BI 232 & 232L, BI 320 & 320L, BI 380, and BI 430 & 430L.
Learners also participate in a capstone seminar (BI 451), a research/internship project (BI 452, 461 or 475), program evaluations, and service learning in biology.
Biology Minor
A Biology minor consisting of 23 biology credits is available as a supplement to a student's primary area of interest.
As a scientific discipline, biology both incorporates and makes genuine contributions to many other disciplines.
Students majoring in other areas may find a declared minor in biology highly relevant, stimulating and profitable.
Upon completion of a fundamentals sequence, the biology minor may wholly reflect the student's interests or concentrate in such areas as allied health, environmental science, natural history, or biotechnology.
