Biology Major (BA)

Department of Natural Sciences

 • DOUGLAS P. JENSEN, chair

 • SHARON STRICKLAND, associate chair

 • HANNAH BARNHILL

 • MARK BOHLER

 • WILLIAM CASE

 • PATRICK GROF TISZA

 • EDWARD GRIFFIN

 • JENNIFER HAWK

Biology Major with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree

Students majoring in biology may receive either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Science degree requires students to take more courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics than the Bachelor of Arts degree does. In addition to coursework, all biology majors must complete the research requirement and take an assessment exam.

A student interested in majoring biology should inform her adviser as early as possible. It is highly recommended, although not necessary, that they begin the chemistry sequence (CHM 190-203) and biology coursework during the freshman year. Students should work closely with their advisers to plan courses of study.

Research Requirement

All biology majors (BA & BS) are required to gain research experience. Students may fulfill this requirement by performing a research project under the direction of biology faculty at Converse University, by performing a research project under another person, or as part of a summer program. All research performed away from Converse must be approved by the biology faculty at Converse College. Students who prefer not to perform a research project may fulfill this requirement by successful completion of BIO 380. Chemistry projects and biology projects satisfy the requirements for both majors for students who are double majors in Biology and Chemistry. BIO 380 does not satisfy the chemistry research requirement.

Assessment Exam

In addition to the coursework and research requirements, all biology majors must complete an assessment exam during their senior year.

Secondary Teaching Certification

Students who plan to complete secondary certification to teach high school must declare an Education minor, and meet with an advisor in the Education Department to discuss specific requirements. They are encouraged to do this as early as possible. Students interested in secondary certification should complete the following: Biology 190, BIO 191, 202, 203, 312 and 411; one of Physics 242 and 252; and one of BAD 300, ECN 300, POL 303, and PSY 311.

Student Learning Outcomes 

Through completion of the Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, students will:

1. acquire an intermediate understanding of the fundamental biological principles and integrate these principles from the major areas of biology (cellular biology, organismal biology, field biology, genetics, and evolution).

2. acquire laboratory and field skills in biology.

3. develop communication skills in written and oral forms that are appropriate for biologists.

4. engage in the scientific process demonstrating an advanced understanding of research, methods, and analysis.

The major GPA of a biology student will be calculated by using grades earned for all required major courses and the electives that apply to the major. Cognate courses and additional electives are not calculated in major GPA.

The biology major requires 32 credit hours of biology coursework with a BA degree. At least 16 of these 32 credit hours must be at the 300-level or higher. The 32 hours must include coursework as listed below. The remainder of the 32 hours is elective coursework.

CHM 415 applies to the BA biology major. The following courses do not apply to the BA biology major: BIO 105, 110, 112, 117, 120, 199H and 481. A maximum of 4 credit hours of BIO 490 may apply to the biology major. BIO 303 (Systematic Botany) cannot satisfy both the Plant Diversity and the Field Biology requirements for an individual BA student.