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Biology

FACULTY Professors McConnaughay, Morris (chair), Stabenau; Associate Professors Cady, Faulkner, Gehring, Johnson, Jost, Stover; Assistant Professors Grace, Marino; Lecturers Beanblossom, Edgcomb-Friday, Fleming; Lecturer-in-Residence Ness; Electronics Technician Kahila; Lab Coordinator Stauffer.

Biology Major

The Department of Biology offers a biology major leading to a baccalaureate degree with the possibility of receiving a concentration in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, secondary teaching, or medical technology. The major is designed for students interested in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, environmental biology, biology education, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or medical technology. Separate specific majors for students interested in environmental science and medical laboratory science are described elsewhere in this catalog. The Department of Biology offers an accelerated 4+1 program (B.S./M.S.)  and Master of Science degrees in Biology and a minor in biology.

Undergraduate Course Requirements

All students majoring in biology, and those students desiring additional focus in one of the department's concentrations, must earn a grade of C or better in all required biology courses. All biology students must take the following core courses:

  • BIO 150, 151, 152, 250, 251, 252, 260, 261, 310, 311, 490
  • CHM 110, 111, 116, 117, 252, 253 (CHM 256 and 257 are required for students in the cell and molecular biology concentration and recommended for others)
  • MTH 115 (MTH 116 highly recommended)
  • PHY 107 and 108

At the completion of 90 semester hours, the student must have credit for BIO 150, 151, 152, 250, 251, 252, 260 and 261; CHM 110, 111, 116, 117, 252, 253; and one semester of calculus. Students not meeting these requirements will not be allowed to enroll in other biology courses until requirements are met. Students with more than 30 semester hours transferring into biology programs from other Bradley majors must have a GPA of 2.25 or greater and must have completed at least one semester each of introductory biology, introductory chemistry, and calculus. Students with 30 or fewer hours will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to the above requirements, each student must complete the requirements below with a grade of C or better in each biology course taken to graduate with a baccalaureate degree in Biology.

Students will choose a minimum of one course (with required laboratory) from each of the following categories. 

  • Sub-Organismal 
    BIO 312, 314, 381, 464, 468, 484, 503, 564, 568
  • Organismal
    BIO 323, 324, 334, 361, 371, 406, 408, 417, 419, 506, 508, 517, 519, 530
  • Supra-Organismal 
    BIO 420, 423, 450, 460, 463, 520, 550, 563
  • In addition, students must also take two additional courses (3-4 credit hours; lab is optional) from any course in the following list: BIO 312, 314, 323, 324, 334, 361, 371, 381, 406, 408, 417, 419, 420, 423, 440, 450, 460, 463, 464, 468, 475, 482, 484, 502, 503, 505, 506, 508, 509, 517, 519, 520, 525, 526, 527, 530, 540, 550, 563, 564, 568, 575. Students may take 3 hours of BIO 485 in lieu of one of these required courses.

The Biology Department offers the opportunity for a student to receive one of several concentrations that will allow students to concentrate or specialize in various areas that will better prepare them for their post-graduate careers. Specifically, the department offers concentrations in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, secondary teaching, and medical technology. The requirements for each concentration are described below.

Biology Education (9-12) Concentration

In addition to the requirements described above for the Biology major, to receive a secondary grades (9-12) teaching endorsement in the State of Illinois, students must complete the degree requirements shown above for the Biology major and also all the education requirements as mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education, which includes 44 hours of course work in the Teacher Education - High School Education program. 

For more information, see Teacher Education - High School Education program in the College of Education and Health Sciences section of this catalog.

Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration

In addition to the requirements described above for the Biology major, to receive the cell and molecular biology concentration, students must have a GPA ≥ 3.2 in the Biology major. Moreover, students must take three additional courses from the list below, or two additional courses from the list below plus 3 hours of research at the level of BIO 485. Finally, students must complete a year-long cell and molecular biology research project. To complete the year-long research requirement, students will take 6 research hours, 3 hours of BIO 385 and 3 hours of BIO 485. Prior to graduation, the Biology Department’s Curriculum Committee will review the completed research project to ensure that the students have conducted research appropriate for the concentration. Students in the cell and molecular biology concentration will also be required to have the second semester of Organic Chemistry (CHM 256 and 257).

For the concentration, students must choose three courses from the following list or two courses from the list and research. The courses used for the concentration cannot have been used to fulfill the requirements for the major.

BIO 312, 314, 361, 381, 406, 408, 464, 468, 482, 484, 502, 503, 506, 508, 509, 525, 564, 568

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration

In addition to the requirements described above for the Biology major, to receive the ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) concentration, students must have a GPA ≥ 3.2 in the Biology major. Moreover, students must take three additional courses from the following list of courses, or two additional courses from the following list and three hours of research at the level of BIO 485. Finally, students must complete a year-long EEB related research project. To complete the year-long research requirement, students will take 6 research hours, 3 hours of BIO 385 and 3 hours of BIO 485 or 6 hours of BIO 485. Prior to graduation, the Biology Department’s Curriculum Committee will review the completed research project to ensure that the students have conducted research appropriate for the concentration.

For the concentration, students must choose three courses from the following list or two courses from the list and research. The courses used for the concentration cannot have been used to fulfill the requirements for the major.

BIO 323, 324, 334, 371, 419, 420, 440, 450, 460, 463, 502, 510, 519, 520, 530, 540, 550, 563, 565

Medical Technology Concentration

In addition to the requirements described above for the Biology major, to receive the medical technology concentration a minimum of 12 hours must be taken; in order to be eligible for entrance to any post-graduate medical technology program, students must take Introduction to Medical Technology (BIO 141/CHM 122 - 1 hour), Organic Chemistry (CHM 256/257 - 4 hours), Immunology (3 hours or 4 hours with laboratory), Physiology (BIO 381 or BIO 384 – 3 or 4 hours depending on whether the student takes a course with laboratory), and Microbiology (4 hours, must be taken with laboratory to meet Medical Technology Program requirements). The courses used for the concentration cannot have been used to fulfill the requirements for the major. Students with a Biology degree with a Medical Technology concentration would be able to apply to any Medical Technology Clinical Program (most are 10-month programs) around the country and sit for national certification exams upon the culmination of the clinical practicum.

Note that the Biology/Chemistry departments offer a Medical Laboratory Science major rather than a Biology major with a concentration in Medical Technology. The requirements for the Medical Laboratory Science major are described elsewhere in this catalog.

Biomedical Science Major

The Department of Biology offers a Biomedical Science Major leading to a baccalaureate degree with the possibility of receiving a concentration in Pre-Med, Veterinary Science, or Biomedical Science Research and Development (R&D).The major is designed to prepare students interested in a career in medicine or other health professions, including dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, etc., or support development of professionals for careers in the medical and biotechnology environment.

Undergraduate Course Requirements

All students majoring in Biomedical Science and those students desiring additional focus in one of the department's concentrations must earn a grade of C or better in all required Biomedical Science and Biology courses. All Biomedical Science students must take the following core courses:

  • BMS 150, 320, 465*, 466*, 490
  • BIO 151, 152, 250, 251, 252, 260, 261, 310, 311
  • CHM 110, 111, 116, 117, 252, 253, 256, 257
  • MTH 115 and 116
  • PHY 107 and 108
  • SOC 100
  • PSY 101
  • An introductory business, economics or entrepreneurship course is highly recommended.

Students must take two additional courses with a grade of C or better from the following list of elective choices: BIO 312, 361, 406, 408, 419, 440, 464, 468, 482, 484, 503, 505, 509, 525, 526, 527, or CHM 360. Three hours of BIO 485 will count for one of these courses and is highly recommended.

 * Students may substitute BIO 323 and BIO 381 for BMS 466 and BMS 465 respectively.

At the completion of 90 semester hours, the student must have credit for BIO 151, 152, 250, 251, 252, 260, and 261; CHM 110, 111, 116, 117, 252, 253; and two semesters of calculus. Students not meeting these requirements will not be allowed to enroll in other biology courses until requirements are met. Students with more than 30 semester hours transferring into biology programs from other Bradley majors must have a GPA of 2.50 or greater and must have completed at least one semester each of introductory biology, introductory chemistry, and calculus. Students with 30 or fewer hours will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The Biomedical Science major is a stand-alone major for students who are not yet clear what area of medicine they want to specialize. The broad range of content areas and skills provided will serve these students well. However, students who have a career path may wish to choose a concentration. Concentrations in Pre-Med, Veterinary Science, and Biomedical Research and Development (R&D) are available. The requirements for each concentration are described below.

Pre-Med Concentration

In addition to the requirements described above for the Biomedical Science major, to receive the Pre-Med concentration, students must take BMS 465, BMS 466, CHM 360, and two courses from the following list as their elective choices: BIO 406, 464, 482, 484, 485 (3 hrs.), 505.

Veterinary Science Concentration

In addition to the requirements described above for the Biomedical Science major, to receive the Veterinary Science concentration, students must take BIO 323, BIO 381, CHM 360, and two courses from the following list as their elective choices: BIO 406, 419, 484, 485 (3 hrs.), 505.

Biomedical Science Research and Development (R&D) Concentration

In addition to the requirements described above for the Biomedical Science major, to receive the Biomedical Science Research and Development (R&D) Concentration, students must take two courses from the following list: BIO 406, 464, 505, 509, CHM 360; they are also required to have six hours of BIO 485. Students in this concentration must complete a year-long research project. Prior to graduation, the Biology Department's Curriculum Committee will review the completed research project to ensure that the students have conducted research appropriate for the concentration. A course from the following list is also recommended as part of their BCC experience: ENT 381, ECO 100, or ECO 221. 

Environmental Science Major

Described elsewhere in this catalog.

Medical Laboratory Science Major

Described elsewhere in this catalog. 

BS And MS In Biology

The Department of Biology offers an integrated Bachelor's (BS) and Master of Science degree in Biology, which allows undergraduates to complete their bachelor's degree, transfer seamlessly to the master's degree, and finish both programs in five years. Nomination to the program will be based on grades, progress through the curriculum, and progress on a specific research project. A research mentor must nominate a student to the program based on the belief that the student can complete a research project and write and defend a thesis by the end of the fifth year. Students are nominated during the spring of their junior year. Nominations will be accepted the fall of the senior year given a reasonable need for accommodation. After nomination, the student must follow the application procedures consistent with application to Graduate Education and Biology Graduate Program, with the following exceptions: student does not need to have completed the bachelor's degree; and the GRE score will be waived. Students must have a 3.2 GPA overall and in Biology; have completed 85 hours at time of admission to the program (99 hours if admitted at beginning of senior year); and have a thesis advisor. See the Bradley University Graduate Catalog for more information.

Curriculum

The department is characterized by a faculty of teacher-scholars, completely modern facilities and equipment in Olin Hall of Science, and a curriculum emphasizing undergraduate preparation for careers in the life sciences and the health professions. Independent study and research participation are a regular part of the curricular pattern for qualified students.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor upon enrollment and should consult the advisor on matters of course scheduling and career goals. Cooperative education assignments are also available.

The following sequence of courses is suggested for the first two years of the undergraduate curriculum.

First Year

First Semester

  • BIO 150- 2 hrs.
  • CHM 110 - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 111 - 1 hr.
  • MTH 115 - 4 hrs.
  • ENG 101 or COM 103 - 3 hrs.

13 hours

Second Semester

  • BIO 151 - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 152 - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116 - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 117 - 1 hr.
  • MTH 116 (recommended) - 3 hrs.
  • ENG 101 or COM 103 - 3 hrs.

15 hours

Sophomore Year

First Semester

  • BIO 250 - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 260 - 1 hr.
  • CHM 252 and 253 - 5 hrs.
  • Electives - 6 hrs.

16-17 hours

Second Semester

  • BIO 251 - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 252 - 1 hr.
  • BIO 261- 2 hrs.
  • Electives - 10 hrs.

16 hours

Biology Minor

Students desiring a minor in Biology should plan to take a minimum of 23-26 hours. The required hours must be distributed as follows (each course must be completed with a C or better):

    1. BIO 111/BIO 113 and BIO 112/114, or equivalent - 8 hrs.
    2. Statistics: select one course from BIO 260/261, PSY 205, MTH 111, or ENC 310 - 3 hrs.
    3. Additional hours in biology at the 300 – 400 level meeting the following criteria: 12-16 hrs.
      1. A minimum of four courses
      2. One course at the 300-400 level must have a lab
      3. Three hours of research (BIO 385/485) may be substituted for one course
    4. Only one of the following may be used to satisfy one non-lab course in 3 above: BIO 230, BIO 250, or an approved general education course (BIO 300, BIO 301, or BIO 303).

Total hours 23-26 hours 

Neuroscience Minor

Neuroscience is the scientific study of neural processes, structures, and behavior. It is excellent preparation for students considering medical and health-related professions, for those interested in working in biomedical research, and/or for students planning to pursue graduate studies in the biological sciences.

For more information, see Neuroscience Minor.

This is the official catalog for the 2021-2022 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.