Biology, Bachelor of Science
Skills-Based Preparation for Aspiring Scientists
(Students who plan to transfer a completed Associate's degree should review the Biology Completion Degree information below.)
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is classified as a STEM program. This science degree will provide students with a foundation in the biological, chemical and data sciences. The expertise to understand and apply the functions of life are projected to be vital skills both nationally and in the state of Delaware. The biology degree will provide students with the skills they need to tackle challenges in a range of scientific and quantitative fields.
Program Philosophy and Objectives
This degree offers a solid basis in the natural sciences, and is adaptable enough to be used as a step towards graduate education and medical school. There is a rich STEM workforce in the region, therefore, biology courses are taught by highly qualified faculty who are practitioners in the field.
By utilizing the rich experience of science practitioners, students will be prepared to begin or continue their careers. Aligning with the University’s mission of exemplary career-oriented degrees, graduates of this degree can market themselves to a variety of career options including forensic science technician, laboratory technician, K-12 educator, government analyst, as well as a plethora of jobs in the non-profit and healthcare sectors.
Program Competencies
Biological Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes were adapted from a National Science Foundation-funded report authored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on the development of standards for undergraduate biological education (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2011).
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Students will apply the process of science to solve problems.
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Demonstrate the ability to use quantitative reasoning.
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Demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative analysis and reasoning, including modeling and simulation.
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Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with other disciplines.
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Examine the relationship between science and society.
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Students will apply:
- The theory of evolution, as a theory, while encompassing the diversity of life and their changes over time.
- The concepts involved in cellular structure and function
- Biological information flow, exchange and storage
- How living organisms operate as systems.
Forensic Science Concentration Learning Outcomes:
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Perform a biological sample analyses fundamental to forensic science.
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Apply the core laboratory techniques essential to forensic science.
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Demonstrate effective communication of forensics science through written and oral communication.
Biotechnology Concentration Learning Outcomes:
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Perform bioinformatics and genetic analyses.
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Apply the core laboratory techniques essential to biotechnology.
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Demonstrate effective communication of biotechnology through written and oral communication.
Suggested Program Sequence
Freshman
Semester 1
| CTA 206 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| BIO 251 | Biology I (with Lab) | 4 |
| PHI 100 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
OR
| | |
| Free Elective | 3 |
Semester 2
Sophomore
Semester 1
Semester 2
Junior
Semester 1
Semester 2
Senior
Semester 1
Semester 2
| CAS 495 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| ENV 448 | Environmental Informatics | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
Curriculum
General Education Requirements (40 credits)
A minimum passing grade of "C" is required for ENG 121, ENG 122, MAT 200, MAT 205, and BIO 251.
Biology Core (49 credits)
Free Electives (16 credits)
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits to earn a Bachelor's degree in Biology. Students with less than 16 transfer credits are required to take FYE 101 as one of their electives. Because of the mixture of 3 and 4 credit courses, students must be diligent and seek advice as they work through the program.
Supplemental Core (15 credits)
Select one of the following two concentrations
Biotechnology Concentration (17 credits)
Forensic Science Concentration (17 credits)
Suggested Course Sequence for Biotechnology Concentration
Freshman
Semester 1
| CTA 206 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| BIO 251 | Biology I (with Lab) | 4 |
| PHI 100 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
OR
| | |
| Free Elective | 3 |
Semester 2
Sophomore
Semester 1
Semester 2
Junior
Semester 1
Semester 2
Senior
Semester 1
Semester 2
Suggested Course Sequence for Forensic Science Concentration
Freshman
Semester 1
| CTA 206 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| BIO 251 | Biology I (with Lab) | 4 |
| PHI 100 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
OR
| | |
| Free Elective | 3 |
Semester 2
Sophomore
Semester 1
Semester 2
Junior
Semester 1
Semester 2
Senior
Semester 1
Semester 2
Biology, Bachelor of Science Completion Degree
What is a Completion Degree?
A completion degree is a personalized version of a bachelor's degree created specifically for students who have completed an associate's degree at an accredited institution. (Students who have not completed an associate's degree should return to the full Biology, Bachelor of Science degree information.) Completion degrees are available for most Wilmington University Bachelor of Science degrees. A student who expects to transfer a completed associate's degree should communicate with a Wilmington University academic advisor before registering for courses. A transcript with documentation of the conferred degree must be received by Wilmington University to confirm eligibility.
Biology - Biotechnology Concentration Completion Degree Requirements
Biology - Forensic Science Concentration Completion Degree Requirements