Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Biology > Traditional Biology Requirements

A student who graduates from Thiel College with a major in biology will:
• understand biological principles and their implications from the molecular to the ecosystem level of organization.
• study, analyze experimentally and interpret biological problems from the molecular to the ecosystem level or organization.
• be able to effectively communicate about biological matters in both oral and written form.
• be prepared for discipline-related employment (including secondary education in the state of Pennsylvania) or admission into a discipline-related graduate or professional program.

Suggested Schedule of Science Courses for Biology Majors

Foundational Courses l Breadth in the Discipline l Senior Capstone Experience l Related Courses

I. Foundational Courses
1. BIO 145     Foundations of Biology
2. A systematics course:
    BIO 262     Animal Systematics
    or
    BIO 222     Entomology
    or
    BIO 263     Plant Systematics
    or
    BIO 212     Microbiology

II. Breadth in the Discipline of Biology
1. BIO 322     Genetics
2. A physiology course:
    BIO 352     Animal Physiology
    or
    BIO 294     Human Physiology
    or
    BIO 302     Plant Physiology
3. BIO 342     Introduction to Methods
4. BIO 392     General Ecology
5. BIO 393     Cell Biology
6. One elective from: (based upon intent and availability)
    BIO 343     Developmental Biology
    BIO 273     Toxicology
    BIO 272     Animal Behavior
    BIO 282     Comparative Chordate Anatomy
    BIO 293     Immunology/Parasitology
    BIO 394     Aquatic Ecology
    BIO 262     Animal Systematics
    BIO 263     Plant Systematics
    BIO 212     Microbiology
    BIO 222     Entomology

III. Senior Capstone Experience in Biology
A completed research project under the supervision of a biology department faculty member is required of the student majoring in biology. The project is culminated with a formal scientific research paper and a formal oral presentation. See the biology chair for specific requirements of the research project.

1. BIO 452     Advanced Biology
    or
    BIO 482     Independent Study
2. BIO 462     Senior Seminar

IV. Related Math and Science Courses
    MATH 141     Precalculus (minimum requirement)
    CHEM 140    General Chemistry I
    and
    CHEM 160    General Chemistry II
    or
    PHYS 154     Introductory Physics I (non-calculus based)
    and
    PHYS 164     Introductory Physics II (non-calculus based)
    or
    PHYS 174     Introductory Physics I (calculus based)
    and
    PHYS 184     Introductory Physics II (calculus based)

Suggested Schedule of Science Courses for Biology Majors