Biology
Dr. Neeta Connally, Co-Chair
connallyn@wcsu.edu
Science Building 140, Midtown campus
(203) 837-8749
Dr. Michelle Monette, Co-Chair
monettem@wcsu.edu
Science Building 141, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9894
Eliamar Gonzalez, Department Secretary
gonzalezel@wcsu.edu
Science Building 220, Midtown campus
(203) 837-8791
Faculty
| T. Pinou | D. Christopher | N. Connally, Co-Chair |
| J. Cordeira | K. Giamanco | M. Monette, Co-Chair |
| S. Wagener | C. Santibanez-Lopez | H. Reynolds |
| Z. Popkin-Hall | J. Boyle | R. Eisenson |
| Z. Zhang |
Overview
The programs in the Department of Biology provide students with the background required to succeed in a wide variety of fields such as cell and molecular biology, medicine, environmental science, meteorology and education. A core of science courses provides a solid foundation while electives allow students to pursue their special interests. All majors conduct research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Mission
The programs in the Department of Biology provide students from diverse backgrounds with the conceptual and technical knowledge for careers in organismal, cell, and molecular biology, environmental science, and teaching, and prepare them for graduate programs and careers in the health sciences. Electives at Western allow students to pursue special interests, and all biology majors conduct research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The Department also provides service courses to support the education of students in other majors.
Objectives
To accomplish this mission, the Department of Biology
- Prepares students for successful high-paying careers and service
- Provides current and relevant courses that support student needs
- Integrates undergraduate research with faculty research projects
- Provides a variety of general education and service courses to the student body
- Promotes faculty research and professional contributions that advance the biological and environmental sciences, teaching pedagogy and support regional needs, including science education
Learning Outcomes
By the completion of their BS degree in Biology:
- Graduates will have a broad understanding of the following core concepts of biology:
- Evolution shapes the diversity of life.
- Structure and function are interrelated at all levels of biological organization.
- Information is stored and exchanged, within and among, organisms.
- Life depends on transformations of energy and matter.
- Living systems are interconnected and interacting.
- Graduates will be able to:
- Apply the process of science.
- use quantitative reasoning, including statistics, modeling and simulation.
- Tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science, including communicating and collaborating with other disciplines.
- Clearly convey their understanding of biology through written and oral communication.
- Describe the interrelationships between science and society, including the role of ethics in scientific research.
Degree Programs in Biology
B.S. in Biology
Options:
Biology
Ecology
Pre-Health
B.S. in Atmospheric and Climate Science
Minor Programs
Biology
Astronomy
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Meteorology
Physics
Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.S.)
Description: This option is for students who are looking for a broad biology education and workforce training.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH) that include major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 52-53 (SH).
| BIOLOGY CORE | ||
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 SH | |
| BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 SH | |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication | 3 SH | |
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 SH | |
| BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 SH | |
| BIO 480 OR BIO 490 Senior Research | 3 SH | |
| BIOLOGY OPTION | ||
| BIO 310 Vertebrate Embryology OR BIO 311 Developmental Bio | 4 SH | |
| Biology Electives: any Bio 200-400 level, or CHE 421, 422, 431 | 7-8 SH | |
| Science/Math Sequence: Any from the list below. | 12 SH | |
| Any BIO 200 or higher; Any CHE 200 or higher; MAT 133, 170, 171, 181, 182; PHY 110, 111, 120, 121; AST 150; MTR 150; ES110; CS140, 143 | ||
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES | ||
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 SH | |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 SH | |
| CHE 111 General Chemistry II | 4 SH | |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in Biology = 2.0. | ||
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Biology option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric* | 3 |
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 | BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 | CHE 111 Gen Chem II | 4 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 | Gen Ed: Arts | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 | BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 260 Modes of Communication | 3 | Math/Science Elective 1 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 | BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| BIO 310 Vertebrate Embryology OR BIO 311 Developmental Biology | 4 | BIO Elective** | 4 |
| SCI/MATH Elective 2 | 4 | SCI/Math Elective 3 | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| BIO 480 Group Sr. Research OR BIO 490 Sr. Research | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| BIO Elective** | 3-4 | Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3-4 |
| Total Credits Required for the BS in Biology = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
*COMP 101 may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
**BIO Electives vary in number of SH earned. Remember that your total must be 120 to complete your degree.
Description: This option is for students who are interested in ecology and environmental biology and who wish to either work or attend graduate school in that field.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH) that include major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 59-61 (SH).
| BIOLOGY CORE |
||
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 SH | |
| BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 SH | |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication | 3 SH | |
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 SH | |
| BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 SH | |
| BIO 480 Group Senior Research OR BIO 490 Senior Research | 3 SH | |
| ECOLOGY OPTION | ||
| BIO 216 General Microbiology | 4 SH | |
| One of these: BIO 422 Conservation Biology OR BIO 375 Climate Ecology | 3-4 SH | |
| Biology Electives: any Bio 200-400 level, or CHE 421, 422, 431 | 11-12 SH | |
| Math/Science Sequence: Any from the list below. | 12 SH | |
| Any BIO 200 or higher; Any CHE 200 or higher; MAT 133, 170, 171, 181, 182; PHY 110, 111, 120, 121; AST 150; MTR 150; ES110; CS140, 143 | ||
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES | ||
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 SH | |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 SH | |
| CHE 111 General Chemistry II | 4 SH | |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in Biology = 2.0. | ||
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Biology: Ecology
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric* | 3 |
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 | BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 | CHE 111 Gen Chem II | 4 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 | Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 | BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication | 3 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 | BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| BIO Elective 1** | 4 | BIO 216 General Microbiology | 4 |
| SCI/MATH Elective 1 | 4 | SCI/Math Elective 2 | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| BIO 480 Group Sr. Research OR BIO 490 Sr. Research | 3 | BIO Elective 3** | 3-4 |
| SCI/MATH Elective 3 | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| BIO Elective 2** | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| BIO 375 Climate Control OR BIO 422 Conservation Biology | 3-4 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective* | 1-2 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS in Biology = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
*COMP 101 may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
**BIO Electives vary in number of SH earned. Remember that your total must be 120 to complete your degree.
Description: This option is for Pre-health students who are planning to continue their education in medical, dental, veterinary schools, or graduate school. It also will prepare students for entry-level positions requiring more physical science.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH) that include major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 60-62 Semester Hours.
| BIOLOGY CORE |
||
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 SH | |
| BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 SH | |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication | 3 SH | |
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 SH | |
| BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 SH | |
| BIO 480 Group Senior Research OR BIO 490 Senior Research | 3 SH | |
| PRE-HEALTH OPTION | ||
| BIO 300 Cell Biology | 4 SH | |
| CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I | 4 SH | |
| CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II | 4 SH | |
| Biology Electives: any Bio 200-400 level, or CHE 421, 422, 431 | 7-8 SH | |
| Math/Science Sequence: Any from the list below. | 12 SH | |
| Any BIO 200 or higher; Any CHE 200 or higher; MAT 133, 170, 171, 181, 182; PHY 110, 111, 120, 121; AST 150; MTR 150; ES110; CS 140, 143 | ||
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES | ||
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 SH | |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 SH | |
| CHE 111 General Chemistry II | 4 SH | |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in Biology = 2.0. | ||
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Biology: Pre-Health Option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric* | 3 |
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 | BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 | CHE 111 Gen Chem II | 4 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 | Gen Ed: Arts | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 | BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 |
| CHE 210 Organic Chem I | 4 | CHE 211 Organic Chem II | 4 |
| BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication | 3 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities | 3 |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 | BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| BIO Elective 1** | 4 | BIO 300 Cell Biology | 4 |
| SCI/MATH Elective 1 | 4 | SCI/Math Elective 2 | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| BIO 480 Group St. Research OR BIO 490 Sr. Research | 3 | BIO Elective 2** | 3-4 |
| SCI/MATH Elective 3 | 4 | Elective | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3-4 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits Required for the BS in Biology = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
*COMP 101 may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
**BIO Electives vary in number of SH earned. Remember that your total must be 120 to complete your degree.
Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric & Climate Science – NOTE: Program pending Title IV approval and expected to begin Spring 2026
Description
This degree offers a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of meteorology, climate systems, and environmental sciences. This interdisciplinary program blends physics, chemistry, ecology, and mathematics along with core courses in meteorology and climatic sciences, to explore the dynamic processes that govern Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, hands-on lab experience, and field research, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to analyze weather systems and predict climate trends. The program includes an accelerated option that leads to a minor in mathematics and eligibility to apply for a 4+1 MS in Meteorology (accelerated option expected to begin in fall 2026).
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH) that include major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 62 credits
| SCIENCE CORE |
||
| PHY 120 General Physics I | 4 SH | |
| PHY 121 General Physics II | 4 SH | |
| PHY/ENV 136 Energy | 4 SH | |
| Meteorology & Climate Science Core | ||
| ES 103 Planet Earth | 3 SH | |
| BIO 150 The Science of Climate Change | 4 SH | |
| MTR 150 Introduction to Meteorology | 4 SH | |
| ES 210 Physical Oceanography & Climate | 4 SH | |
| MTR 231 Weather Analysis and Forecasting | 4 SH | |
| MTR 240 Climatology | 3 SH | |
| MTR 430 Instrumentation & Remote Sensing | 4 SH | |
| MCS 3XX Acquisition/ analysis of AOC Data | 3 SH | |
| MCS 4XX Concepts in Climate Modeling | 3 SH | |
| MCS 2XX Quant. Methods in Atmos. & Climate | 4 SH | |
| MTR 370 OR MTR 450 Internship or Research | 4 SH | |
| COGNATES | ||
| MAT 118 Elementary Applied Mathematics | 3 SH | |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 SH | |
| CS 140 Introduction to Programming (Python) | 4 SH | |
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES | ||
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 SH | |
| Unspecified General Education course | 4 SH | |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in Biology = 2.0. | ||
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Atmospheric & Climate Science
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| MTR 150 Meteorology | 4 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 |
| MAT 118 Elementary Applied Math | 3 | BIO 150 Science of Climate Change | 4 |
| ES 103 Planet Earth | 3 | Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 |
| PHY/ENV 136 Energy | 4 | MTR 240 Climatology | 3 |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| PHY 120 General Physics I | 4 | PHY 121 General Physics II | 4 |
| CS 140 Intro to Programming | 4 | ACS 2XX Quantitative Concepts ACS | 4 |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities | 3 |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| MTR 231 Weather Analysis & Forecasting II | 4 | ES 210 Intro to Physical Oceanography | 4 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 | Gen Ed: Arts of Humanities | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| ACS 3XX Acquisition & Analysis of AOC Data | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| ACS 4XX Concepts in Climate Modeling | 3 | MTR 430 Meteorology Instrumentation | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | MTR 370 Internship in Meteorology OR MTR 450 Research in Meteorology | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS in Biology = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – Biology (B.S.)
Description: This degree provides a biology/education curriculum that imparts a broad base of knowledge about biological processes, principles, and research, so that students have the foundational knowledge they need to educate others.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH) that include major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 70 Semester Hours.
| BIOLOGY CORE |
||
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 SH | |
| BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 SH | |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 SH | |
| BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication | 3 SH | |
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 SH | |
| BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 SH | |
| BIO 480 or BIO 490 Senior Research | 3 SH | |
| PROFESSIONAL OPTION | ||
| BIO 300 Cell Biology | 4 SH | |
| CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I | 4 SH | |
| CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II | 4 SH | |
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES | ||
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 SH | |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 SH | |
| CHE 111 General Chemistry II | 4 SH | |
| Fine Arts: Creative Process | 3 SH | |
| HIS 148 or 149 American History | 3 SH | |
| ENG Literature Course (any) | 3 SH | |
| CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS | ||
| ED 206 Introduction to Education | 3 SH | |
| ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II | 3 SH | |
| HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools | 3 SH | |
| EPY 405 Intro to Special Education | 3 SH | |
| ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools co-req ED 386 | 3 SH | |
| ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Experience co-req ED 385 | 1 SH | |
| ED 440 Integrating Language | 3 SH | |
| ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools | 3 SH | |
| ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies | 1 SH | |
| ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) | 12 SH | |
| Minimum GPA for the BS Secondary Ed in Biology = 3.0. | ||
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Secondary Ed: Biology
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | HIS 148/149 American History | 3 |
| BIO 103 General Biology I | 4 | BIO 104 General Biology II | 4 |
| CHE 110 General Chemistry I | 4 | CHE 111 Gen Chem II | 4 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| BIO 200 Ecology | 4 | BIO 205 Animal Physiology | 4 |
| CHE 210 Organic Chem I | 4 | CHE 211 Organic Chem II | 4 |
| BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication | 3 | HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools | 3 |
| ED 206 Intro. to Education | 3 | ED 212 Ed Psych: Childhood & Adolescence II | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 | Gen Ed: Arts | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| BIO 312 Genetics | 4 | BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| Elective (BIO Recommended) | 3 | BIO 300 Cell Biology | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | BIO 480 Group Sr. Research OR BIO 490 Sr. Research | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities* | 3 | Elective* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| EPY 405 Intro to Special Education | 3 | ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies | 1 |
| ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools co-req ED 386 | 3 | ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) | 12 |
| ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Experience co-req ED 385 | 1 | ||
| ED 440 Integrating Language | 3 | ||
| ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools | 3 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS Secondary Ed: Biology = 120; Minimum GPA 3.0. | |||
* The BS Secondary Ed: Biology degree requires students to study a language other than English to at least the elementary level II. Students who have completed three years of a language other than English in high school with an overall “C” average or completed a total of four years of two languages other than English in high school with an overall “B” average have met this requirement.
See the Department of Education and Educational Psychology within the School of Professional Studies.
*Note: The Secondary Education – Biology (B. S.) Option is the same suggested BIO sequence as the Professional option, except there are NO Biology electives.
Biology Electives
Any Biology course 200-level or above will count in this category. Biochemistry (CHE 421, 422, 431) is acceptable in this this category.
Math/Science Electives
For all three options (Biology, Ecology, Pre-Health), the following courses are approved to count as Science/Math electives (if they are not already required by the option): All BIO courses level 200 or above; All CHE courses level 200 or above; MAT 133, 170, 171, 181, 182; PHY 110, 111, 120, 121; AST 150; MTR 150; ES 110; CS 140, 143.
Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses (8 SH):
BIO 103 General Biology I
BIO 104 General Biology II
OR
BIO 110 The Animal World
BIO 111 General Botany
Six to Eight credits (6-8 SH) of approved Biology courses at or above the 200-level
Additional biology courses to total at least 18 semester hours.
*BIO 100 Concepts of Biology will not count towards the minor; BIO 105, 106 Anatomy & Physiology I & II will count if both courses are taken. Students electing to minor in Biology should consult with the department chairperson for course selection. (A minimum of one-half of all semester hours in the minor must be taken at Western. Students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.00 for the courses taken at Western.)
Minor in Astronomy
Nineteen semester hours of astronomy or physics courses. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Minor in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Twenty semester hours of courses noted as earth science or earth and planetary sciences. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Required Courses:
MTR 150 Meteorology
AST 150 General Astronomy
ES 110 Physical Geology
ES 210 Intro to Physical Oceanography
AST 231 Intro to Planetary Sciences OR EPS 331 Practicum in EPS Research OR Eps 220 & 221 Seminar in EPS (2+2 SH)
Minor in Meteorology
Twenty-one (21) or twenty-two (22) semester hours of meteorology courses. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Required Courses (15 SH):
MTR 150 Meteorology
MTR 175 Analytical Meteorology
MTR 230 Weather Analysis and Forecasting I
MTR 310 Atmospheric Thermodynamics
Two (2) Approved Meteorology Electives (6-7 SH):
Courses must be at a 200-level or higher
Minor in Physics
Twenty semester hours of physics are required, including PHY 110, 111, General Physics (Calculus) I & II and 12 semester hours by departmental advisement. In most cases these 12 credits additional credits include PHY 136 and PHY 170.
Required Courses (8 SH):
PHY 110 General Physics I (MAT 182 and grade >=C in PHY 103 or placement exam)
PHY 111 General Physics II
Three (3) Approved Electives (12 SH)
Electives must be approved by Physics, Astronomy & Meteorology Department Chairperson.