Biology

When you think of life on Earth, you may only begin to comprehend the vast array of plants, animals, bacteria and other organisms that share this planet.

Studying biology at Emmanuel opens up a world of possibilities for students interested in learning about the intricacies of life and living organisms. Our distinguished faculty engage students throughout a rigorous academic curriculum, open doors through faculty-student research collaborations, and encourage the pursuit of advanced research and internship opportunities.

Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.S. in Biology

  • 1. BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • 2. BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • 3. BIOL2123 Genetics
  • 4. BIOL2131 Biochemistry OR CHEM2111 Biochemistry with Lab
  • 5. BIOL2301 Experimental Biology Laboratory
  • 6. BIOL4160 Seminar
  • 7. CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I(SI-L)*+ AND
    CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II(SI-L)*+ OR CHEM1103 Chemical Perspectives*+
  • 8. CHEM2101 Organic Chemistry I+
  • 9. BIOL4194/95 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I & II OR INT3211 Experiential Internships in the Natural Sciences (with permission of instructor; a one-semester experience with approved research component

* Qualified students may replace CHEM1101 and CHEM1102 with CHEM1103
+Biology majors are approved to receive a passing grade of C- in CHEM1101, CHEM1102, CHEM1103, and CHEM2101

Electives:
Five biology electives, which include three with laboratory and two at the 3000-level, with or without a laboratory. Students must choose at least one from each of the two categories of biology electives. The remaining courses are chosen according to interest.

Category 1: Cellular/Molecular Electives

  • BIOL2115 Determinants of Health and Disease
  • BIOL2119 Current Topics in Biological Research
  • BIOL2151 Marine Microbiology with Lab
  • BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with Lab
  • BIOL3103 Cell Biology with Lab 
  • BIOL3119 Immunology
  • BIOL3125 Molecular Biology
  • BIOL3127 Microbiology
  • BIOL3132 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry
  • BIOL3135 Cancer Biology
  • BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II*

Category 2: Organismic/Systems Electives

  • BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
  • BIOL2121 Human Health and the Environment (SJ)
  • BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
  • BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab 
  • BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with lab
  • BIOL3105 Endocrinology
  • BIOL3151 Exercise Physiology with lab
  • BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II*
  • NEURO2201 Neurobiology
  • NEURO3137 Medical Neuroscience

* BIOL4149 counts as a 3000-level biology laboratory elective for a B.S. in biology if the entire two-semester internship sequence (BIOL4194 and BIOL4195) is completed. The student's advisor determines the appropriate category for the internship. Students receive academic credit for the second internship course (BIOL4195), but it would not be counted as one of the 11 required biology courses.


Minor Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in Biology

Five courses (no more than two at the 1000-level), such as:

  • 1. BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • 2. BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • 3-5. Any three biology courses except: INT3211, BIOL4160, BIOL4178, BIOL4194 and BIOL4195 

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have:

  • Master and apply fundamental concepts in biology.
  • Source, critically evaluate and communicate scientific knowledge.
  • Collaborate effectively with others to find insightful solutions to scientific questions.
  • Apply ethical and moral reasoning to important biological issues that impact society.
  • Acquire expertise in laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, experimental design, and data analyses.
  • Explore career goals and experiential opportunities to excel in future professions.

Students seeking teacher licensure in biology must complete a major in biology, as well as complete required education courses and ­student teaching. Education requirements are available through the education department. Interested students should also consult the biology department regarding the optimal selection of electives.

Students seeking Initial Licensure in Massachusetts must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

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