Mar 29, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, B.A.


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The B.A. in Biology degree is a general liberal arts and sciences program. The B.A. will allow for a double major with other liberal arts programs. The B.A. in Biology Secondary Science Education Emphasis is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching high school biology. The Secondary Education Emphasis offers classroom experience and internship opportunities in addition to the subject matter content required by the State of California. Pre-professional students should select the program leading to the B.S. degree.

The B.A. in Biology with a Secondary Science Emphasis has been accredited by the State of California. Students who have successfully completed the Single Subject Matter Program in Biology (SSEB) will receive a waiver and do not have to take the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) exam; completion of the program demonstrates subject matter competency. The program goal is to produce teachers who are confident in their ability to implement the next generation science standards (NGSS), to adapt to future changes, and who have the capacity to teach science as a process of inquiry and excite curiosity in their students. Students who have successfully completed our program should possess the knowledge and expertise that will enable him/her to become a confident, enthusiastic and effective teacher.

Student Learning Outcomes for the B.A. Degree in Biology


Program graduates will be able to:


  • Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of biological systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of biological systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of information flow, exchange, and storage in biological systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of pathways and transformations of energy and matter in biological systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the interconnections and interactions in biological systems
  • Be able to apply the scientific method to solve problems in biology
  • Effectively communicate biological concepts in written and oral forms
  • Have experience using field and laboratory skills
  • Apply computational and quantitative methods to describe biological systems

Students completing a B.A. with a Secondary Science Emphasis will also be able to:


  • Think logically and critically evaluate new information
  • Integrate information from different fields of science
  • Synthesize information and communicate ideas to diverse groups of students
  • Design lessons that engage students in the process of inquiry (NGSS)
  • Connect course content to real life situations and local issues
  • Value ongoing assessment and professional development

Major Requirements, Lower Division: for the B.A. in Biology


Note:


* A student must complete with a C (2.0) average the courses indicated with an asterisk, including a C (2.0) average in BIOL 101 , BIOL 102 , BIOL 111 , BIOL 112 , BIOL 201 , and BIOL 202 , prior to becoming eligible to take any upper division biology course.

Major Requirements, Upper Division: (both B.S. and B.A. in Biology)


27 (B.S.) or 24 (B.A.) upper division semester hours in Biology, to be selected from the groups listed below, and to include at least 4 laboratory courses. NOTE: For the B.A. in Biology, Secondary Science Education Emphasis the prescribed 29 upper division semester hours provide the depth of subject matter content required by the State of California (see below).

(a) One course in Cell/Organism Function


To be selected from

(b) One course in Molecular Biology


To be selected from

(c) One course in Organismal Diversity


To be selected from

(d) One course in Populations


To be selected from

Note:


BIOL 314 BIOL 328 BIOL 338 , or BIOL 422  can satisfy only (c) or (d).

(e) One 2 semester hour 500-level seminar or research course


(f) Additional upper division biology courses.


(g) The above requirements must also include


One plant biology course


To be selected from

And one field biology course


To be selected from

Note:


BIOL 312  can satisfy only one of these two categories.

In addition to the 24 required semester hours


Upper division biology courses may be taken as electives. Students preparing for specific graduate careers should discuss appropriate courses with their advisors.

To graduate as a biology major, a student must accumulate a C (2.0) average in all major requirements.

B.A. Degree–Biology Curriculum


(120 S.H.)*

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15-16 semester hours

Total: 15-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 14 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 3 semester hours
  • Science Elective 3 semester hours
  • University Core 4 semester hours
  • University Core 4 semester hours
Total: 14 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


  • BIOL Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • University Core 4 semester hours
     
  • University Core or
  • Elective 4 semester hours***
     
  • Elective 4 semester hours
Total: 16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • BIOL Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • BIOL Upper Division 3 semester hours
  • University Core 4 semester hours
  • Elective 4 semester hours
Total: 15 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


  • BIOL Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • BIOL Seminar or Research 2 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 4 semester hours
Total: 14 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • BIOL Upper Division 4 semester hours
  • BIOL Upper Division 3 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 4 semester hours
Total: 15 semester hours

Total: 120 semester hours


* A minimum of 45 upper division hours are required to complete the degree.

** The course sequence in Mathematics depends on the results of the Mathematics Placement Exam.

*** A minimum of 32 core units are required. The sequence of the University Core courses should be discussed with the student’s advisor.

B.A. Degree–Biology Secondary Science Education Emphasis Curriculum


Major Requirements, Lower Division: for the B.A. in Secondary Science Education Emphasis


Note:


A student must complete the lower division requirements with a C (2.0) average.

Major Requirements, Upper Division: for the B.A. in Secondary Science Education Emphasis


29 upper division semester hours, as follows:

Note:


In order to graduate as a biology major and receive a subject matter waiver, a student must accumulate a C (2.0) average in all major requirements.

B.A. Degree–Biology Secondary Science Education Emphasis Curriculum Four Year Plan


Freshman Year


Fall Semester

Total: 12-13 semester hours

Spring Semester

Total: 15-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Total: 14 semester hours

Spring Semester

Total: 15-17 semester hours

Junior Year


Senior Year


Fall Semester

Total: 14-19 semester hours

Spring Semester

Total: 15-19 semester hours

Total: 126 semester hours


Note:


  1. The course sequence in Mathematics depends on the results of the mathematics placement examination.
  2. Each of the listed courses meets the US Constitution credential requirement for future teachers.
  3. The science education internship is placed in the paradigm during the senior year where the units can be accommodated. However, students are encouraged to complete the internship requirement as early as possible after completion of their sophomore year.
  4. Both ENVS 357  and ENVS 358  meet the environmental science requirement; however, ENVS 357  is offered in the Fall, therefore students must plan accordingly.

* The 4 education classes can be taken at any time and in any order, but must be completed by the end of the junior year. Students who are not planning to obtain their teaching credential in California may not have to take these courses and should discuss an alternative plan with their advisor.

** A minimum of 32 University Core semester hours are required. The sequence of the University Core courses should be discussed with the student’s advisor.

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