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2025-2026 Academic Catalog
Biology Major
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 Return to: Residential Undergraduate Programs
The biology program at The University of Olivet is designed to introduce students to the major aspects of modern biology and its applications. A broad range of dynamic courses are offered including basic biological principles, ecological and natural sciences, and medically-oriented classes. Students participate in hands-on experiences both in the laboratory and in the field, and have the opportunity to work with faculty on research and independent study projects. Course offerings are enhanced through use of the Kirkelldel Biological Preserve, a university-owned biological preserve containing a wide variety of habitats, located a few minutes from campus, as well as a large collection of natural history specimens, including many fossils, rocks and minerals, mollusk shells, mammals, birds, numerous live animals and insects.
The biology program provides a strong foundation for students interested in entering medical professional schools and graduate school. It is also a major component of the environmental science major and minor.
Biology Learning Outcomes
With the completion of this degree program, the following learning outcomes can be expected:
- Students will demonstrate broad biological knowledge in cellular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, and interpret/analyze scientific literature.
- Students will communicate topics in biology in oral and written form, following Council of Science Editors (CSE) format.
- Students will be able to analyze and evaluate assumptions, claims, evidence, arguments, and use information critically within a biological context.
- Students will be able to collect and analyze data both numerically and graphically in support of a biological principle or hypothesis and can apply quantitative data to support or refute that hypothesis.
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Program Requirements (58-62 semester hours)
A Bachelor of Arts degree in biology requires 120 semester hours with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0, and a minimum major grade point average of 2.0. The biology major requires successful completion of the following courses and at least one of four concentrations. Complete each of the following (32 semester hours):
Complete one of the following four concentrations:
Biology Concentration (24 semester hours).
Complete 24 semester hours from the following (at least 9 semester hours at the 300-level or above):
Note:
- The general biology concentration is for students who are interested in general biology or who are not interested in a specific concentration. Complementary minors include environmental science, chemistry, health and human performance, and areas of the social sciences, depending on the interests of the individual.
- Some courses are not offered every year; students should check with their career advisor and watch for announcements concerning course offerings.
- Biology majors may take SCI 102 - Biological Science but the credits will not count toward the biology major.
- BIO 418 - Independent Study is a course on a topic of interest to the student that is not offered in the catalog. A student must initiate the independent study paperwork by mid-term of the semester prior to the semester the course is to be held.
- Credit may be awarded for internships performed in the area of biology or a related field (environmental science, biochemistry, etc.).
- Students interested in pursuing graduate study or a professional degree in dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, optometry, medicine, or veterinary medicine, should consult a career advisor in the sciences as soon as possible. There are specific courses required or recommended for admission to graduate or professional schools, including organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics and specific electives applicable to the area the student wishes to pursue.
Zoology Concentration (22 semester hours)
Complete each of the following (16 semester hours):
Complete 3 semester hours from the following:
Complete 3 semester hours from the following:
Note:
This concentration is for students with interest in field biology, zoology, botany, ecology and related areas. Complementary minors include environmental science, chemistry, and biochemistry. Ecology and Conservation Biology Concentration (23 semester hours)
Complete each of the following (13 semester hours):
Complete 6 semester hours from the following:
Note:
This concentration is for students interested in careers in biomedical research, pharmacology, toxicology, molecular biology, genetics and related areas. Complementary minors include chemistry and environmental science. Pre-Medical/Biomolecular Concentration (26 semester hours)
Complete each of the following (23 semester hours):
Complete 3 semester hours from the following:
Note:
This concentration is for students interested in pursuing further education in human medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and training as a physician’s assistant or other allied health fields. Complementary minors include chemistry, biochemistry, psychology and environmental science for those interested in environmental health. Students pursuing a graduate or professional medical degree should also declare the Biochemistry minor and work with their academic advisor for any additional courses that may be needed. Note:
Course numbers followed by an asterisk (*) have prerequisites. Course numbers followed by a dagger (†) have corequisites. See Course Descriptions for details. |
Return to: Residential Undergraduate Programs
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