A major in biology is designed to allow the student to (1) become familiar with the basic principles, literature, sampling, data analysis, and laboratory techniques of the essential areas of the life sciences; (2) become acquainted with background information, materials, and techniques in the cognate fields of mathematics and the physical sciences; and (3) utilize elective units to take courses which meet the student’s specific vocational needs or interests. The major offers four emphases to better meet the individual needs of the students.
Biology Major Requirements* |
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Biology Core Courses |
62 units |
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| (Required of all biology majors) | ||
| BIOL 1211 | General Botany | 4 units |
| BIOL 1311 | General Zoology | 4 units |
| BIOL 240 | Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology | 4 units |
| BIOL 311 | Genetics | 4 units |
| BIOL 409 | Microbiology | 4 units |
| BIOL 425 | Cell Biology | 4 units |
| BIOL 499C | Capstone Seminar in Biology | 4 units |
| CHEM 1202 | General Chemistry I | 5 units |
| CHEM 1212 | General Chemistry II | 5 units |
| CHEM 304 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 units |
| CHEM 305 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 units |
| PSCI 223 | Mechanics and Heat | 4 units |
| PSCI 225 | Electricity, Magnetism and Light | 4 units |
| MATH 180 | Calculus I | 4 units |
| MATH 181 | Calculus II | 4 units |
Recommended Botany and Ecology Emphasis Courses |
18 to 20 units |
|
Choose 4 units from the following courses:*** |
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| BIOL 315 | General Ecology | 4 units |
| BIOL 340 | Marine Ecology | 4 units |
| BIOL 345 | Field Biology — Mountains | 4 units |
| BIOL 346 | Field Biology — Desert | 4 units |
| BIOL 470 | Special Topic Course | 4 units |
| BIOL 3303 | Conservation Biology | 3 units |
| or BIOL 3523 | Economic Botany and Plant Propagation | 4 units |
| BIOL 3603 | Biogeography | 4 units |
| BIOL 4143 | Plant Taxonomy | 4 units |
| Upper Division BIOL Elective | 3 or 4 units | |
Recommended Education Emphasis Courses |
15 to 17 units |
|
| BIOL 302 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Embryology | 5 units |
| or BIOL 305 | Physiology of Vertebrates | (4 units) |
| BIOL 414 | Plant Taxonomy | 4 units |
Choose 4 units from the following courses: |
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| BIOL 315 | General Ecology | 4 units |
| BIOL 340 | Marine Ecology | 4 units |
| BIOL 345 | Field Biology — Mountains | 4 units |
| BIOL 346 | Field Biology — Desert | 4 units |
| BIOL 470 | Special Topic Course | 4 units |
| BIOL 352 | Economic Botany and Plant Propagation | 4 units |
| or Approved Elective | (3 or 4 units) | |
Recommended Neuroscience Emphasis Courses |
17 to 24 units |
|
| BIOL 432 | Neuroscience (required) | 4 units |
Choose 0-8 units from the following courses: |
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| BIOL 202 | Histology | 4 units |
| BIOL 204 | Human Anatomy | 4 units |
| BIOL 302 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Embryology | 5 units |
| BIOL 304 | Human Physiology | 4 units |
| BIOL 305 | Physiology of Vertebrates | 4 units |
| BIOL 340 | Marine Ecology | 4 units |
| CHEM 430 | Biochemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 465 | Advanced Biochemistry | 4 units |
| Approved Upper Division Biology or Chemistry Elective | 3-4 units | |
| Required Psychology Courses4 | ||
| PSYC 330 | Physiological Psychology | 3 units |
| PSYC 371 | Experimental Psychology | 4 units |
| PSYC 449 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 units |
Choose 3-6 units from the following courses: |
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| PSYC 320 | Developmental Psychology | 3 units |
| PSYC 332 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 units |
| PSYC 335 | Social and Psychological Aspects of Aging | 3 units |
| PSYC 350 | Theories and Principles of Learning | 3 units |
| Approved Research Course | 3-4 units | |
| Approved Upper Division Psychology Elective | 3-4 units | |
Recommended Pre-Medical Emphasis Courses |
16 to 18 units |
|
| BIOL 202 | Histology 4 units or Approved Elective | (3 or 4 units) |
| BIOL 302 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Embryology | 5 units |
| BIOL 305 | Physiology of Vertebrates | 4 units |
Choose 4 units from the following courses: 3 |
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| BIOL 315 | General Ecology | 4 units |
| BIOL 340 | Marine Ecology | 4 units |
| BIOL 345 | Field Biology — Mountains | 4 units |
| BIOL 346 | Field Biology — Desert | 4 units |
| BIOL 414 | Plant Taxonomy | 4 units |
| BIOL 470 | Special Topic Course | 4 units |
1 It is essential that BIOL 121 and BIOL 131 be taken during the first year at VUSC in order to meet prerequisites for another biology courses.
2 It is essential that CHEM 120 and CHEM 121 be taken in the first year at VUSC in order to schedule the proper sequence of chemistry courses.
3 A number of Au Sable Institute courses are approved to meet requirements for the Biology or other majors to which field biology units can apply. Note the listing of courses at the end of the Biology Program course descriptions. Au Sable has awarded Vanguard University a scholarship that will pay most of the tuition for one student per year and smaller amounts that would help other students as well. For more information, consult with a faculty representative in the department of Biology regarding Au Sable courses.
4 It is essential that PSYC 103C General Psychology and MATH/SOCI 265C Introduction to Statistical Methods be taken as part of the core curriculum.
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.
