2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology, B.S.

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Biology is a diverse discipline, encompassing the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science), biomedical research, agriculture, ecology, teaching, and more.  A major in biology from Saint Leo University is designed as preparation for a career in the exciting and rapidly changing field of the life sciences, whatever the sub discipline.  In the laboratory, classroom, and field, biology majors will build a firm foundation in life and physical sciences by exploring the facts, theory, and methodologies employed by scientists today.

Three curricular concentrations are available: students can follow the general curriculum (General Biology) and become broadly trained, or they can choose to focus their studies and select either the Biomedical Sciences and Health Professions concentration or the Ecology concentration.  All three options provide flexibility to students to craft a curriculum that fits their interests while still providing essential instruction in the life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics necessary for success as a Biologist.

Students must complete at least 39 credit hours of 300-400 level courses.  All Biology courses level 300 and above are accessible only after students successfully complete BIO 125, BIO 125L, BIO 126, BIO 126L with a C- or better, and pass the Biological Foundation Proficiency Exam, which assesses mastery of the material from Biological Principles I and Biological Principles II.  This requirement includes transfer students.

All Biology majors must take General Education and Science Foundation courses.  These courses include:

University Campus Only Course Requirements

Technology Competency Skills

Saint Leo University Technology Competency Skills                                             

Technology is threaded through our personal, professional, and educational interactions. To successfully manage these interactions - specifically relating to education and employment - our students must have the ability to navigate and operate essential computer functions, beyond social media. Demonstrating competency of basic technology skills is essential for the success of all Saint Leo University students.

Saint Leo University requires undergraduate students to demonstrate technology competency prior to degree conferral. These technology competency skills can be satisfied through a waiver exam, microcredential module, or academic course (COM-140 or equivalent, earning a grade of C or better within 10 years). Education majors should complete EDU 228: Educational Technology to fulfill the technology requirement. Students should meet with their advisors to discuss options and establish a plan to satisfy the graduation requirement.

Technology Competency Skills Microcredential:

A self-paced, online module designed to develop and reinforce computer competencies and literacy. The module introduces general computer operations using current computing technologies and software. Selected topics include the Internet, security and safety, digital communication practices, operating systems, as well as creating and evaluating documents, worksheets, and presentations. Guidelines for selecting computer hardware and software are addressed. Satisfactory completion of this microcredential meets the Saint Leo University Technology Competency Skills graduation requirement. Upon completion of the microcredential, students will earn a digital badge. This badge can be shared as confirmation of demonstrated skill and ability. This course is not covered by financial aid.

Technology Competency Skills Waiver Exam:

Students may take the technology competency skills waiver exam to satisfy the Saint Leo University technology competency skill requirement. The Waiver Exam tests your knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Windows, and the Internet. The exam is Pass/Fail and you must receive a minimum score of 74% to pass. 

University Explorations (42 credit hours)

Foundation Courses (26 credit hours)

General Biology Specialization

The General Biology Concentration is designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of Biology.  Students are required to complete 38-39 concentration credit hours.

Biomedical and Health Sciences

The Biomedical and Health Sciences Concentration will prepare students for graduate and professional school in the biomedical and health sciences.  Students are required to complete 35 concentration credit hours.

Ecology

The Ecology Concentration is intended to provide students with the opportunity to focus their studies on hands-on understanding the function of biological systems beyond the scale of single organisms.  Students are required to complete 38 concentration credit hours.

General Elective Credits: Complete enough general elective credit hours to fulfill total hours required for degree completion.

Total Credits: 120

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