BS in Biology

Contact

For contact information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology provides fundamental knowledge in biological and related sciences. Students learn to appreciate the unity and diversity of living systems, while gaining an understanding of basic biological principles and processes. The undergraduate Biology degree program provides the necessary foundation for careers in applied biology, biological research, or teaching, as well as for further study in graduate or professional schools.

Learning Outcomes

  • The ability to describe the scientific method, such that they are ready to apply it in postgraduate work in biology.
  • Broad exposure to each of the major disciplines in biology and related sciences.
  • The ability to use commonly available search engines, such as PubMed, to search the literature for scientific publications required for homework assignments, term papers, or research projects. Students should also be able to read and interpret this literature, with a developing ability to critically assess the significance and validity of published papers in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Technical skills that prepare them for employment after graduation in biology-related professions, including post-graduate education.
  • An appreciation and ability to defend the significance of the quote, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.”

Admissions Information

For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.

Distribution Requirements

(total 48 credits)

English

  • MET EN 104 English Composition
  • MET EN 201 Intermediate Composition

Mathematics

  • If you are taking MA 123 for related requirements, and are not proficient in MA 118, take MA 118. Otherwise, take an elective here.

Computer Science

  • MET CS 101 Computers and Their Applications

Literature

  • 4 credits in a 100- or 200-level MET EN literature course or MET HU 221

Philosophy

  • 4 credits

History

  • 4 credits

Additional Courses

  • 4 credits in the humanities (H)
  • 4 credits in the social sciences (S)
  • 8 credits in the humanities (H), natural sciences (N), or social sciences (S)
  • 4 credits in the humanities (H) or social sciences (S)

Major and Related Courses (total 60 credits)

A total of 15 courses (60 credits), completed with a grade of C or higher, is required.

Required Courses

Choose nine biology courses (36 credits), including the two below:

  • MET BI 107 Biology I
  • MET BI 108 Biology II

The remaining seven courses must include at least one from each of the following areas: physiology, endocrinology, and neurobiology (PER/NEURO); cell and molecular biology (CM); and ecology, behavior, and evolution (EBE). At least three courses must be at the 300 to 500 level, and three must have a laboratory or field component.

Courses from the Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences program may be accepted as major courses upon written approval from the MET biology coordinator.

Related Courses

Choose six courses (24 credits) from the following:

  • MET CH 101, CH 102, and CH 203 or MET CH 171, 172, and CH 373 or MET CH 171, CH 174, and CH 373
  • MET MA 123 or a college-level statistics course
  • MET PY 105, 106, or PY 211, 212

Electives

Usually five courses (20 credits), but possibly more depending on transfer credits, chosen with the advice of an academic counselor.