Full Course Catalogue Course Descriptions
Major Requirements
- A total of 10 courses in Biology, including BIO 151, 152, 203, and one 400-level course.
- One of the following courses: MAT 110, or MAT 128/131 (pending placement assessment by the Math Department)
- CHE 105 and 106 and CHE 207 and 208
- One course from each of the following three groups must be taken:
- Group I (Field Biology): BIO 211, 319, 389
- Group II (Cell and Molecular Biology): BIO 321, 322, 325, 327, 329.
- Group III (Organismal Biology): BIO 234, 235, 331, 333, 337.
Within the context of these guidelines, students may freely elect any Biology course or CHE 325 (Biochemistry) to meet the 10-course requirement.
- No more than two courses at the 100-level may be counted toward the area of concentration.
- Biology majors must pass both of the introductory courses (BIO151 and 152), earning a minimum average grade of 2.0 across these two courses, or have permission of the Biology Department chairperson, in order to enroll in other Biology courses.
- Seniors must take the department exit exam as a graduation requirement.
Combined Major Requirements
- A total of seven courses in biology, including BIO 151, 152, 203, a 400-level course, and one course from each of the three groups (I, II, and III) listed above.
- Biology majors must pass both of the introductory courses (BIO151 and 152), earning a minimum average grade of 2.0 over the two courses, or have permission of the Biology Department chair, in order to enroll in other biology courses.
- Seniors must take the department exit exam as a graduation requirement.
Interdisciplinary Majors in Biology
The department participates in formal interdisciplinary majors, such as Psychobiology and Biochemistry. Students interested in pursuing teacher certification in biology must consult the chair of the Education Department regarding specific requirements for the program.
Biotechnology Track
Albright offers a special track in Biotechnology. This track is primarily for Biology majors but may be completed by students in other majors (such as Biochemistry and Psychobiology) who have completed the necessary prerequisites.
- Six of the following courses, with at least one being a 400-level seminar:
- BIO 321, 322, 325, 327, 329, 495, 498, 499
- CHE 325, 326
- BIO 151, 152, and 203
- one course from Group I or Group III
- MAT 110, or MAT 128/131
- CHE 207 and 208
Requirements for the Cell and Molecular Techniques Certificate
Students who enroll in certain courses attain knowledge of and practical expertise in several laboratory-based techniques commonly performed in the analysis of nucleic acids, cells, and tissues. Learning these techniques provides marketable skills. This certificate demonstrates to a future employer that a student has gained proficiency in many common molecular-based techniques and assays.
To successfully earn this certificate, a student must pass four of the following five courses: Microbiology (BIO 321), Cell Biology (BIO 322), Molecular Genetics (BIO 325), Histology (BIO 327), and Biochemistry (CHE 325)
Independent Research
Independent research under the supervision of a member of the Biology Department is strongly encouraged. Recent independent research projects have included studies on bat ecology and echolocation, ultrastructure of insect visual receptors, the ecology of area streams, lakes and wetlands, the distribution of endangered species of mammals, and cloning of genes using recombinant DNA techniques. Such projects involve field trips to nearby ecosystems and the use of scientific equipment and techniques, such as a scanning electron microscope, epifluorescence microscope, biological safety cabinets for sterile cell culture, ultramicrotome, computer-assisted recording of physiological variables, and/or amplification and electrophoresis of DNA and proteins. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer laboratory, a greenhouse, and faculty-student research space support laboratory experimentation in many courses and independent study projects.
Secondary Biology Education
Biology Majors preparing for a career in education take Biology courses and a series of Education and other courses specified by the Education Department to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations. As early as possible in their college experience, candidates for teacher certification in Biology should consult the Requirements section of the Education website and the chair of the Education Department regarding specific course requirements. The Biology Education certification is a grades 7-12 program.
