Apr 19, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2022-2023 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, B.A.


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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: 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: B.A. in Biology


24 (B.A.) upper division semester hours in Biology, to be selected from the groups listed below, and include at least 6 lecture and 4 laboratory courses (these may include lecture/lab combinations, which are 4 semester hours) and a 2-semester-hour seminar or research course (see a-h below).

For the B.A. in Biology, the following are required (a-h below):

(a) One course in Cell/Organism Function to be selected from:


(c) One course in Organismal Diversity to be selected from:


(d) One course in Populations to be selected from:


Note:


Classes above can only satisfy ONE area (a-d), even if listed in more than one area.

(e) Four laboratory courses to be selected from:


Note:


CHEM 371  can be used to count as an upper division biology lab in the major. Students who are minoring or majoring in biochemistry cannot use CHEM 371  to count as credit in both the biochemistry major/minor and biology major. 

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


(g) Additional upper division biology courses (2 courses for the B.A.)


CHEM 370  can be used to count as an upper division biology elective in the major.  In addition, one other upper division non-biology course can be used to count as an upper division biology elective in the major.  

Students who wish to take a non-biology course (besides CHEM 370 ) for upper division biology elective credit must receive approval from the chairperson of the biology department prior to taking the course. 

Students who are minoring or majoring in biochemistry cannot use CHEM 370  to count as credit in both the biochemistry major/minor and biology major. 

(h) The above requirements (a-g) must also include:


(i) One plant biology course to be selected from:


(ii) One field biology course to be selected from:


Note:


BIOL 312  can satisfy only one of these two categories (either plant OR field, not both).

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

Note:


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: 16 semester hours

Total: 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 semester 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 semester hours 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


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. A student who has successfully completed our program should possess the knowledge and expertise that will enable him/her to become a confident, enthusiastic, and effective teacher.

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.

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


Total: 16 semester hours

Total: 20 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Total: 14 semester hours

Spring Semester

Total: 15-18 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester

Total: 15-16 semester hours

Spring Semester

Total: 14-16 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester

Total: 14-19 semester hours

Spring Semester

Total: 15-19 semester hours

Total: 126-127 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.

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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