MAJOR PROGRAMS IN BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, AND SECONDARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Degree requirements: BIO 1401 (Principles of Biology) and BIO 2410 Zoology are the prerequisites to all biology courses above the freshman level.  Potential majors must have earned a C or better in both BIO 1401 and BIO 2410.  They should submit the required formal application to the department during the second semester of their sophomore year.  Students accepted into the major program must complete a minimum of 25 semester hours in biology and then they are to submit the required formal application to the Department.  To satisfy the major requirement, a grade of C or better must be earned in each biology and chemistry course taken.  A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is required to earn an undergraduate degree in biology, biotechnology, and molecular biology.  Non-biology requirements for the three major options are one year of the following: general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, and calculus (MAT 1313 and MAT 2317).  There is a foreign language requirement that can be met by successfully completing the Spanish or French language courses at the intermediate level (SPA 2311 and SPA 2312 or FRE 2311 and FRE 2312) or Yoruba (FLS 3401 or FLS 3402).  Majors must complete a minor program in a discipline that differs from biology.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Biology prepares students for admission into graduate and professional programs.  The Department of Life Sciences offers coursework in the biology degree program intended to prepare students for careers in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry.  The courses are designed to enhance performance on the MCAT, PCAT, DAT, and the GRE by the end of the junior year.  The commonality of medicine, pharmacy, and biotechnology in this era of genomic research and gene therapies and the need for similar foundational courses such as biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology are strongly encouraged for all students within Life Science.

The B. S. degree program in Biotechnology provides detailed training in recombinant gene expression, proteomics, receptor-based assays, bio-analysis, molecular modeling, and federal regulations.  This program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in discovery and development sciences, advanced biotechnology laboratory methodologies, and regulatory and managerial policies related to the approval process for new biotechnology products and devices.  Our students will be sought after for positions in bio-manufacturing, environmental remediation, food sciences, and biopharmaceutical sectors of the biotechnology industry.  The biotechnology degree program is built upon the success of WSSU in establishing one of the first B. S. degree programs in molecular biology in North Carolina.

The Molecular Biology degree program teaches students about the function and structure of DNA and RNA molecules.  Students learn how to manipulate these molecules, transfer genetic information, and qualify the influence of genes on cell function.  They learn to apply their knowledge to solving primarily theoretical problems in genetics, cell biology, and the biochemical aspects of human diseases.  A degree in molecular biology is a pathway for careers in forensic sciences and bioinformatics.

The B. S. degree program in Biology Secondary Teacher Certification will prepare graduates for teaching positions and will provide lateral entry teachers with the necessary credentials to become certified science teachers.

OUTCOMES
Students should be able to demonstrate:
1. Understanding of basic biological principles and the diversity of life.
2. Knowledge of specialized areas of biology.
3. Knowledge of technical skills needed to conduct biological research.
4. Ability to read scientific texts and literature with comprehension.
5. Critical thinking skills.
6. Basic computer literacy.

MINOR PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY
Principles of Biology, Zoology, and a minimum of 10 semester hours above the freshman level are required.  To satisfy this requirement, a C or better must be earned in each biology course taken.  Students who minor in biology are also required to complete one of the following combinations of courses:
1. One year of general chemistry or one year of physical science and one year of mathematics or
2. CHE 2111, CHE 2311, PHS 2337, and one year of mathematics or
3. CHE 2111, CHE 2311, PHS 3341, and one year of mathematics or
4. PSY 2336, PHS 3341, and one year of mathematics.

MINOR PROGRAM IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
This minor program will provide the opportunity for chemistry majors or other qualified students to develop their knowledge and skills in the biotechnology area.  The program could be of particular benefit to students planning to pursue graduate degrees or to seek employment in areas related to molecular biology or biotechnology.  Prerequisites include CHE 2111, CHE 2311, CHE 2112, and CHE 2312 (General Chemistry I and II) and CHE 3126 and CHE 3326 (Organic Chemistry I).  For this minor, students must complete BIO 1401 (Principles of Biology), BIO 2410 (Zoology), and the following courses with a grade of C or better in each course:
         BIO 3334 Biotechnological Techniques
         BIO 3431 Microbiology
         BIO 3442 Introduction to Molecular Biology
         BIO 3446 Biochemistry
         BIO 4406 Research or Internship