Biology
Dr. Isabelle Haithcox, Chair, (650) 508-3496, ihaithcox@ndnu.edu
The Natural Sciences Department offers both a Bachelor of Science in Biology. A Master of Arts in Teaching Biology is available in collaboration with the School of Education and Leadership. Degrees in the Department lead directly to employment, graduate study, or entrance into professional schools in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, allied health, or education. The Department offers a selection of courses satisfying Core Curriculum Requirements and encourages students in other majors to pursue a minor in the Natural Sciences.
The program is structured to provide interdisciplinary study in the Natural Sciences and to promote interaction among faculty and students in all fields. The Biology major provides students with the breadth of knowledge and strong skills necessary for careers in the biological sciences. By choosing elective courses with their advisor, Biology majors can focus their studies in Cell and Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Science, or Forensic Science.
All incoming students intending to major in an area of the Natural Sciences must take the placement examinations for: Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Having declared their major, a prospective biology student must achieve a score of 89% or better on the biology placement examination; if that level is not attained, the student must take BIO1009 or its equivalent and earn a B or better before being allowed to take further biology courses. AP biology courses, or examinations, will not be considered as substitutes. Transfer students must submit proof of successful (B or better) completion of a course equivalent to BIO1009 or take the biology placement examination.
Bachelor of Science: Biology
| In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements. | ||
| Prerequisites | Units | |
| BIO1101/1101L | General Biology I | 3/1 |
| BIO1103/1103L | General Biology II | 3/1 |
| CHE1202/1202L | General Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE1204/1204L | General Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| CHE2203/2203L | Organic Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE2205/2205L | Organic Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| MTH1216 | Precalculus/Trigonometry | 4 |
| MTH1320 or MTH1322 or MTH2502 |
Calculus I (4) Applied Calculus (4) Statistics (3) |
3-4 |
PHY1003/1003Land |
College Physics I College Physics II Physics for Scientists I Physics for Scientists II |
8 |
| Total Prerequisites | 39-40 | |
| Major Requirements | Units | |
| BIO2200/2200L | Developmental Biology | 3/1 |
| BIO2210/2210L | Human Physiology | 3/2 |
| BIO2215/2215L | Genetics | 3/1 |
| BIO2275/2275L | General Microbiology | 3/2 |
| BIO2277/2277L or CHE2370/2370L |
Immunology Biochemistry I |
3/1 |
| Upper-division electives in Biology approved by the advisor | 8 | |
| Total Major Requirements | 30 | |
| Other Degree Requirements*
and General Electives * Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g., Career Development, U.S. History). |
57 | |
| Total Unit Requirement | 124 | |
| Biology Elective Courses | ||
| BIO1465 | Natural Sciences Seminar (1) | |
| BIO2108/2108L | Contemporary Environmental Issues (3/1) | |
| BIO2114/2114L | An Introduction to the Diverse World of Plants (3/1) | |
| BIO2124 | Forensic Science (4) | |
| BIO2132/2132L | General Ecology (3/1) | |
BIO2138/2138L |
Environmental Toxicology (3/1) | |
| BIO2143/2143L | Invertebrate Zoology (3/1) | |
| BIO2148/2148L | Vertebrate Zoology (3/1) | |
| BIO2252/2252L | Cellular and Molecular Biology (3/1) | |
| BIO2354 | Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists (3) | |
| BIO2884 | Research (1-3) | |
| BIO2994 | Laboratory Assistant (1-3) | |
| BIO2997 | Honors Thesis Research (2-4) | |
| BIO2999 | Independent Study in Biology (1-3) | |
| CHE2210/2210L | Chemical Analysis and Instrumental Methods (3/2) | |
| CHE2312/2312L | Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3/1) | |
| CHE2370/2370L | Biochemistry I (3/1) | |
| CHE2375/2375L | Biochemistry II (3/1) | |
| NSC2012 | Introduction to Nutrition (3) | |
| PHY2000/2000L | Science in Action (3/1) | |
| Future medical, dental, veterinary medicine, or graduate students are advised to take PHY1304, PHY1304L, PHY1306, PHY1306L and MTH1220. Biology majors are encouraged to fulfill the Career Development requirement with an appropriate internship. Students anticipating graduate study should consult the individual schools to which they intend to apply for specific undergraduate course requirements. | ||
Minor Requirements: Biology
| Required Courses | Units | |
| BIO1101/1101L | General Biology I | 3/1 |
| BIO1103/1103L | General Biology II | 3/1 |
CHE1101 or |
Introductory Chemistry |
3 |
| CHE1202/1202L | General Chemistry I | 3/1 |
| CHE1204/1204L | General Chemistry II | 3/1 |
| Upper-division units in Biology, approved by Department Chair | 12 | |
© 2010-2013 Notre Dame de Namur University - 1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002 - (650) 508-3600 - All rights reserved. Emergency Information | Site Map