BS in Biology

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.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan College are required to complete a minimum of 32 courses (128 credits), including Hub requirements, major requirements, related courses, and electives.

Hub Requirements

All BU undergraduate students, including transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Biology will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Scientific Reasoning I & II, Quantitative Reasoning I & II, Critical Thinking, Research and Information Literacy, and Teamwork/Collaboration.

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

Electives are chosen with the advice of an academic counselor. The number of electives varies depending on transfer credit.