These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
For further information about this major, contact the Biology Coordinator (Dr. Preston Garcia): Preston.Garcia@Castleton.edu
A comprehensive program in biology that prepares students for admission into graduate schools, admission into professional schools, a career in biology, or a career in secondary education. The program includes a capstone research project and presentation requirement that integrates students' knowledge across the biological and physical sciences and demonstrates their quantitative, intellectual, and communication skills.
Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Biology will demonstrate:
Knowledge and Understanding of Biological Concepts
Intellectual Skills
Civic Learning
The MBB Concentration is specially designed for students interested in careers in medicine (pre-medical, -dental, or -veterinary school), pharmaceutical sciences, or biomedical research.
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIO 1121 |
Biology I(grade of C or higher required) A comprehensive introduction to biology focused on the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. The course provides an introduction to all areas of biology. Lecture and lab Fee Lab fee $50 Fall |
4 |
BIO 1122 |
Biology II(grade of C or higher required) A continuation of BIO 1121 Biology I, with particular emphasis on organisms, ecosystems, and evolution. Lecture and lab. Fee Lab fee $50 Spring |
4 |
BIO 2010 |
Cell and Molecular BiologyThis course provides science majors with the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology. Students study the basics of molecular biology, the flow of genetic information through the cell, its structure, function, metabolism, and regulation. The lab portion of the course will focus on mastery of standard cell and molecular biology techniques while exploring course concepts. This course is intended for science majors and minors only and will not satisfy the Scientific and Mathematical Understanding frame of reference. Lecture and Lab Prerequisite: BIO 1121, BIO 1122 and CHE 1041 or CHE 1051 Fee Lab fee $50 Spring |
4 |
BIO 2125 |
Fundamentals of MicrobiologyA study of the cellular structure and function of microorganisms, principally bacteria. The physiology, genetics, and interactions of bacteria with higher forms of life and the environment will be covered. The required laboratory will provide students with an understanding and practical knowledge of aseptic techniques and other common microbiology methods. Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIO 1121 , BIO 2011, or CHE 2030 Fee Lab fee $50 Fall |
4 |
BIO 3060 |
EcologyOR BIO 3065 - Plant Ecology 4 cr A study of the interrelationships between plants, animals, microorganisms and their abiotic environment. Problems in experimental design and ecological analysis will be explored. Some Saturday field trips are planned. Field trips to primitive areas are required. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1121, BIO 1122, and CHE 1041 or CHE 1051 with grades of "C" or higher. Fee Lab fee $50. Fall |
4 |
BIO 3070 |
GeneticsA survey of the major fields of genetics with a focus on modern molecular genetics and genetic technologies. A weekly discussion and exploration period examines problem-solving strategies and hand-on applications of modern genetic technologies. Prerequisite: BIO 2010 (may be taken concurrently) or BIO 2125, and CHE 1041, CHE 1051, or CHE 1110 Spring |
4 |
BIO 4030 |
EvolutionThis course is a survey of evolutionary processes with an emphasis on natural selection. The class provides a background that allows students to understand the origin and maintenance of biodiversity and to be able to apply abstract evolutionary concepts to a wide range of organisms. This course will cover current theory in evolution as well as the history of the evolutionary concept and its impacts on society. The discussion period focuses on readings, chosen by the students, from the primary literature in evolutionary biology. Senior standing required Prerequisite: BIO 1121 and BIO 1122 Fall |
3 |
CHE 1051 |
Chemistry IAn in-depth study of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include modern atomic theory and structure of atoms, solution chemistry, nature of chemical bond, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry and molecular geometry. This course is designed for biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental science majors, as well as motivated students in the health related fields. To succeed in this course, an understanding of applied algebra is mandatory. Restrictions Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Geology majors only. This course fulfills a Natural Science general education requirement. Prerequisite: MAT 1221 or equivalent placement. Fee Fee $50 Fall |
4 |
CHE 1052 |
Chemistry IIThis course is a continuation of CHE 1051 . Topics of study include intermolecular forces, properties of solutions, the chemistry of solids, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, metal chemistry, and electrochemistry. This course is designed for biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental science majors or other students that will pursue higher-level courses in chemistry. Restrictions Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Geology majors only. Prerequisite: CHE 1051 or CHE 1041 Fee Fee $50 Spring |
4 |
CHE 2111 |
Organic Chemistry IAn introduction to the chemistry of organic compounds. Emphasis is on organic functional groups and their chemical properties, nomenclature and molecular structure. The laboratory introduces students to basic organic laboratory techniques of synthesis, purification and characterization. Lecture (3 hrs.) and lab (4 hrs). Students are strongly recommended to take Organic Problem Solving I (CHE 2113) together with this course. Prerequisite: CHE 1042 or CHE 1052 with a grade of C or better. Fee Lab fee $50. Fall |
4 |
MAT 2036 |
BiostatisticsThis course introduces statistical concepts and analytical methods as applied to data encountered in ecological, environmental, and biomedical sciences. It emphasizes the basic concepts of experimental design, quantitative analysis of data, and statistical inferences. Topics include probability theory and distributions; population parameters and their sample estimates; descriptive statistics for central tendency and dispersion; hypothesis testing and confidence intervals for means, variances, and proportions; the chi-square statistic; categorical data analysis; linear correlation and regression model; analysis of variance; and nonparametric methods. The course provides students a foundation to evaluate information critically to support research objectives and product claims and a better understanding of statistical design of experimental trials for biological products/devices. Restrictions Students will be required to have a scientific calculator. This course fulfills the Digital and Computing Literacy general education requirement. Prerequisite: Minimum math placement of MAT 2021 . Every semester |
4 |
PHY 1051 |
General Physics IOR PHY 2110 - Physics I 4 cr An introduction to the concepts and theories of physics. Topics include forces, motion and energy. A weekly laboratory section explores concepts and the role of experimentation in science. Students are strongly recommended to take PHY 1050 General Physics Problem Solving I together with this course. Lecture and lab This course fulfills a Natural Science general education requirement. Fee Lab fee $50 Fall |
4 |
SCI 1230 |
Pathways to SciencePathways to Science is a broad spectrum science course that explores a wide variety of science topics in many different areas of science. Throughout this course students will learn skills needed to succeed in science. The course is geared toward first year and sophomore level students by aiming to provide a solid base of science terminology and principles. Pathways to Science is an introduction in how to succeed in science, how to initiate a research project, and how to get through the first two years of a science program. Students will identify future goals, career objectives, and put together a plan for graduation. Restrictions Biology, Chemistry, Ecological Studies, Environmental Science, and Wildlife and Forest Conservation majors. Spring |
1 |
SCI 2100 |
Science ColloquiumNote: MAT 1531 - Calculus I is recommended for students planning application to graduate school. Visiting scientists, department faculty, Castleton students, and scientists in the workforce will give presentations about current scientific research and careers in science. Students are given an opportunity to interact with the invited speakers and strengthen their personal scientific network. This science research seminar is open to any Natural Sciences major or minor (BIO, CHE, ESS, HLT, ENV, WFC) and is meant to introduce students to a wide range of current research areas and potential careers in science. This course is repeatable for credit. Pass/No pass only. Prerequisite: Students enrolled in a major or minor offered by the Natural Sciences Department or permission of the instructor. Fall |
1 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
CHE 3011 |
Biochemistry Icomplete both of these courses: This course provides an introduction to the major classes of biological molecules and their structure, function and metabolism in living systems. Students examine the structure of proteins, their function and their binding to other molecules. Enzymes and their kinetics and mechanisms are covered in detail. This course provides the linkage between the inanimate world of chemistry and the living world of biology. Lecture Prerequisite: CHE 2111 with a grade of "C" or better. CHE 2112 is strongly recommended. Fall |
4 |
PHY 2210 |
Physics IIOR PHY 1052 - General Physics II 4cr A continuation of PHY 2110. Topics include electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics. May not be taken for credit if credit has been received for PHY 1052. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: PHY 2110 and MAT 2532 Fee Lab fee $50 Spring |
4 |
BIO 3090 |
Virologyand complete two of these courses: Students successfully completing this course will understand the history of virology and the techniques used to study viruses. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the biology and lifestyles of different families of viruses and the diseases they cause. This course also includes emerging viruses and examines the potential global impact of viral infection. Prerequisite: "C" or better in BIO 2010, and CHE 1041 or CHE 1051 or consent of instructor. Spring, odd years. |
3 |
BIO 3151 |
Physiology of ExerciseAn examination of the acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise. Muscle, renal, endocrine and environmental physiology, energy metabolism, and cardiovascular function in response to exercise training will be emphasized and applied to laboratory activities. Prerequisite: BIO 2011 and BIO 2012. Fee Fee $50. Every semester |
4 |
BIO 3210 |
Developmental BiologyThis course is an examination of the patterns of animal development, including the production of sex cells, fertilization, and the growth and maturation of the embryo. The relationship between development and the evolution of species will be considered. Students will explore embryological development in a variety of animals, including normal and abnormal human development. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1121 and BIO 1122, or BIO 2011 and BIO 2012 (BIO 2012 may be taken concurrently). Fee Lab fee $50 Periodically |
4 |
BIO 3240 |
Advanced Human PhysiologyThis course will examine selected aspects of human physiology in health and disease, including the activity of nerves and muscles, circulation, respiration, metabolism, and water and electrolyte balance. Intended for students who have completed the Human Anatomy and Physiology sequence and wish to explore these topics in more detail. Prerequisite: BIO 2011, BIO 2012, and previous or concurrent enrollment in CHE 1041, or CHE 1051. Periodically |
3 |
BIO 4360 |
ImmunologyThis course will explore the purpose and basis of the human immune system. We will investigate the function and nature of immune responses and gain an understanding of the mechanisms of protection against specific pathogens. Prerequisite: BIO 2010, BIO 2125 and CHE 1041 or CHE 1051 with grades of C or higher. Spring, even years |
4 |
BIO 4035 |
Advanced Molecular BiologyThis course provides an exploration of fundamental molecular biology, genetic, and biochemical concepts. Students will participate in lengthy research projects involving current lab techniques in these fields. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: Completion of BIO 2010, BIO 2125, BIO 3070, and CHE 1042 or CHE 1052 with grades of C or higher. Fee Lab fee $50 Fall, odd years |
4 |
View the General Education Requirements.
Students interested in admission to medical school should choose one or more of the following as part of their Gen Ed requirement:
To perform the significant research activity necessary to complete the capstone project (BIO 4620), students may elect to enroll in:
This major participates in the 3+4 program with Albany School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, in which highly-focused students can earn a Bachelor's degree in just three years at CU and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) in four years at ACPHS.
For details, see the Pharmacy Degree page.