Biology, B.S. (Behrend)

Program Code: BIOBC_BS

Program Description

The curriculum in Biology is designed to provide students with a strong background in the biological sciences. It provides preparation for students who intend to secure advanced degrees through graduate study, students who intend to prepare for careers in medicine or health-related fields, and students preparing for careers with companies or agencies requiring employees with biological backgrounds. The curriculum has six options allowing students to choose an area of specialization that will best meet their career goals. In addition to selecting an option, students are strongly encouraged to participate in faculty-supervised research. The options are:

  1. General Biology - various areas of modern biology;
  2. Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior - theoretical, practical, and applied ecology and evolution of plants and animals;
  3. Genetics and Developmental Biology - genetics and developmental biology of plants and animals;
  4. Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry - molecular and cellular mechanisms of biology;
  5. Medical Technology - prepares students for careers in clinical laboratories; and
  6. Health Professions - prepares students for careers in medicine and veterinary sciences; this option also allows exceptional students, who gain early admission to a professional school, to fulfill option requirements with a set number of academic credits taken during the first professional year.

What is Biology?

Biology is the scientific study of life: the diversity and organization of organisms, from single-celled bacteria to multi-cellular plants and animals, including humans. These different levels of biological organization range from the molecules and cells that compose an organism, to the interacting organisms that make up an ecosystem. Hands-on experiences, from designing and conducting lab experiments to making field observations using different procedures and instruments play an important role in gaining biological knowledge. Biologists explore ways to cure neurological diseases, conserve coral populations in tropical oceans, discover more efficient ways to use plants for food and bio-energy, develop vaccines for infectious diseases, and investigate many other facets of Biology.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You are curious about the natural world, from the smallest of cells to the largest of trees.
  • You enjoy theoretical study as well as hands-on laboratory learning.
  • You are interested chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
  • You can envision yourself in a health care or medical career.
  • You are looking for a foundational major that supports diverse career paths in the sciences, engineering, research, education, and health care.

Entrance to Major

In order for entrance to the Biology major, a student must have:

  1. attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average;
  2. completed BIOL 110 and earned a grade of C or better; and
  3. completed at least one of the following courses with a grade of C or better: BIOL 220W, or BIOL 240W.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a minimum of 124 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Requirements for the Major 97-99

18 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GWS courses.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned.

Requirements for the Major

Each student must earn at least a grade of C in each 200-, 300-, and 400-level BIOL, BMB, MICRB, PPEM and WFS course in the major field.

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
STAT 250Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 220WBiology: Populations and Communities4
BIOL 230WBiology: Molecules and Cells4
BIOL 240WBiology: Function and Development of Organisms4
BIOL 322Genetic Analysis3
Requirements for the Option
Select an option56-58

Requirements for the Option

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Option (56 credits)

Students can select courses in theoretical or applied ecology, evolution, field biology and animal behavior to build strength in ecological science. The option prepares students for graduate study in ecology and evolution, or careers in zoo science, environmental consulting, environmental management, environmental education or positions with regulatory agencies.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 427Evolution3
Additional Courses
Select one of the following:3
Biological Experimental Design 1
Analysis of Variance
Applied Regression Analysis
Applied Nonparametric Statistics
Survey Sampling
Select one of the following sequences:6-8
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select one of the following sequences:8-10
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of the following:9
Population Genetics
Animal Behavior
Ecology of Lakes and Streams
Theoretical Population Ecology
Physiological Ecology
General Ecology
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select item A or B:17-21
A
Mapping Our Changing World Keystone/General Education Course
and Applied Geographic Information Systems
and Geographic Information Systems
Select 10-14 credits from school approved list
B
Select 17-21 credits from school approved list
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits of 400-level BIOL, BMB, MICRB, PPEM, or WFS courses 26
1

Course requires a grade of C or better

2

Excluding BIOL 400 and any courses numbered 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, or 499.

General Biology Option (56 credits)

Students can select courses from a variety of areas of contemporary biology. The option provides the flexibility to enable students to tailor their program for graduate study in many fields of biology or careers requiring broad backgrounds and diverse skills in the biological sciences.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 427Evolution3
Additional Courses
Select one of the following sequences:6-8
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select one of the following sequences:8-10
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 20-24 credits from school approved list20-24
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 15 credits of 400-level BIOL, BMB, MICRB, PPEM, or WFS courses 115
1

Excluding BIOL 400 and any courses numbered 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, or 499.

Genetics and Developmental Biology Option (56 credits)

Students can select courses to develop strengths in various areas of transmission, medical, population or molecular genetics and/or study the developmental process at the organismal, histological or molecular levels. The option prepares students for admission to professional programs in the health sciences, graduate programs in genetic counseling, plant or animal breeding, developmental biology, or careers in research or biotechnology.

Prescribed Courses
CHEM 210Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 212Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 213Laboratory in Organic Chemistry2
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 427Evolution3
MICRB 201Introductory Microbiology3
MICRB 202Introductory Microbiology Laboratory2
Additional Courses
Select one of the following sequences:8-10
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select three of the following:9
Advanced Genetics
Population Genetics
Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Molecular Biology
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 15-17 credits from school approved list15-17
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits of 400-level BIOL, BMB, MICRB, PPEM, or WFS courses 16
1

Excluding BIOL 400 and any courses numbered 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, or 499.

Medical Technology Option (56-58 credits)

Students spend approximately twelve months at an affiliated hospital1 during their senior year to complete the clinical phase of their baccalaureate studies. A fixed number of spaces are available on a competitive basis of grade-point average and hospital approval. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is awarded upon successful completion of the clinical study. The graduate is also eligible to take the national examination for certification and registry as a medical technologist.

1

Current affiliation is with St. Vincent Health Center, School of Medical Technology, Erie, PA. 

Prescribed Courses
PHYS 250Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 251Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MICRB 201Introductory Microbiology3
MICRB 202Introductory Microbiology Laboratory2
MICRB 405ASeminar and Practicum in Medical Technology8
MICRB 405BSeminar and Practicum in Medical Technology1
MICRB 405CSeminar and Practicum in Medical Technology6
MICRB 405DSeminar and Practicum in Medical Technology5
MICRB 405ESeminar and Practicum in Medical Technology7
MICRB 405FSeminar and Practicum in Medical Technology3
MICRB 408Laboratory Instructional Practice1
Additional Courses
Select one of the following sequences:8-10
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
and Analytical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 1 credit from approved list1
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of 400-level BMB, BIOL, MICRB of the following:3
Human Genetics
Human Physiology
General Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
General Virology: Bacterial and Animal Viruses
Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry Option (56 credits)

Students can select courses to develop strengths in the study of biology at the cellular and molecular levels, including basic metabolism and its regulations, DNA recombinant technology, bioinformatics and genomics. The option prepares students for admission to professional programs in the health sciences, graduate study, or careers in biotechnology or research.

Prescribed Courses
CHEM 210Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 212Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 213Laboratory in Organic Chemistry2
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 427Evolution3
BMB 401General Biochemistry3
BMB 402General Biochemistry3
BMB 403Biochemistry Laboratory1
BMB 406Molecular Biology3
MICRB 201Introductory Microbiology3
MICRB 202Introductory Microbiology Laboratory2
Additional Courses
Select one of the following sequences:8-10
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select one of the following:3
Cellular Mechanisms in Vertebrate Physiology
Practical Bioinformatics
Plant Physiology
Protein Structure and Function
Principles of Immunology
Medical Microbiology
General Virology: Bacterial and Animal Viruses
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 14-16 credits from school approved list14-16
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of 400-level BIOL, BMB, MICRB, PPEM, or WFS courses 13
1

Excluding BIOL 400 and any courses numbered 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, or 499.

Health Professions Option (56 credits)

Students can prepare for the rigors of advanced health professions education by following the course of study outlined in this option. This option is also provided for exceptional students who are admitted into a "3+4" accelerated or early acceptance program at an approved or affiliated professional school. Students are granted 21 credits toward the Bachelor of Science degree following the successful completion of the first professional academic year. The Health Professions Committee will work with such students to develop an appropriate program of study.

Prescribed Courses
CHEM 210Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 212Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 213Laboratory in Organic Chemistry2
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 421Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates4
BIOL 427Evolution3
BIOL 472Human Physiology3
BIOL 473Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology2
BMB 402General Biochemistry3
BMB 403Biochemistry Laboratory1
MICRB 201Introductory Microbiology3
MICRB 202Introductory Microbiology Laboratory2
Additional Courses
Select one of the following sequences:8-10
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BMB 401General Biochemistry3
or CHEM 472 General Biochemistry I
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 11-13 credits from school approved list11-13
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of 400-level BIOL, BMB, MICRB, PPEM, or WFS courses 13
1

Excluding BIOL 400 and any courses numbered 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, or 499.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Biological structures: Students will be able to articulate and explain for multiple levels of the biological hierarchy the physical and chemical characteristics of biological structures influence their function.
  • Energy and Matter: Students will be able to articulate and explain for multiple levels of the biological hierarchy that organisms captures and transform energy and matter.
  • Evolution: Students will be able to articulate and explain for multiple levels of the biological hierarchy that evolution explains the diversity and unity of life.
  • Genetics of organisms: Students will be able to articulate and explain for multiple levels of the biological hierarchy that organisms store and process information.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Erie

Adam Simpson, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology
180 Benson
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6544
ams1122@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

General Biology Option: Biology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 110*#4BIOL 240W*#4
ENGL 15 or 30H3MATH 141*†4
CHEM 110*†3CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 140 (or appropriate MATH Course from ALEKS test)*†4General Education Course3
PSU 71General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 17.5 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W*#4BIOL 230W*#4
CHEM 210 (if pursuing CHEM 210-212-213 sequence) or General Education Course3STAT 2503
Elective or MATH 141 (if Calculus not complete)3-4CHEM 202 or 212 and 2133
General Education Course3CAS 1003
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16-17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 322*3PHYS 251 or 2124
PHYS 250 or 2114BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course*3
ENGL 202C‡†3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course or Supporting Course (School Approved List)*3-4Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
CHEM 203 (if pursuing CHEM 202-203 sequence) or General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16-17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course*3-4BIOL 427*3
BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course*3-4BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course*3-4
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
PHYS 213 or 214 (or Supporting Course (School Approved List))2Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
 14-16 15-16
Total Credits 127-132
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) School Approved List of Course for Electives - All courses listed in the Penn State University course listings except those specifically listed in the 'non-approved courses' below are considered approved courses and can be used as supporting courses electives.
School of Science Non-Approved List of Courses for the BIOBC Major
- BIOL no course under 100
- MATH no course under MATH 140,MATH 140A(2 of 6 credits)
-BISC 1,BISC 2,BISC 3,BISC 4
-MICRB 106andMICRB 107
-BMB 1, BMB 3
-PHYS 1,PHYS 150,PHYS 151
-CHEM 1,CHEM 3,CHEM 101,CHEM 106(2 of 5 credits),CHEM 108
-PLSC 7, PLSC 8, PLSC 11
- CMPSC 1,CMPSC 100
-LLED 5,LLED 10
-ENGL 4,ENGL 5
-STAT 100

Advising Notes

1.)CHEM 110: Prerequisite satisfactory performance on the MATH placement test (ALKES) - i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 22; or CHEM 101 and MATH 22 or MATH 41
2.) Take PHYS 213 if you have taken PHYS 211 and PHYS 212
3.) Take PHYS 214 if you have taken PHYS 211 and PHYS 212

Genetics and Development Option: Biology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 110*#4BIOL 240W*4
ENGL 15 or 30H3MATH 141*†4
CHEM 110*†3CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 140 (or appropriate MATH Course from ALEKS test)*†4General Education Course3
PSU 71General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 17.5 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W*4BIOL 230W*4
CHEM 2103CHEM 2123
General Education Course3CHEM 2132
General Education Course3STAT 2503
Elective or MATH 141 (if Calculus is not complete)CAS 1003
 General Education Course3
 13 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 322*3PHYS 2514
PHYS 2504General Education Course3
MICRB 201*3BIOL 422, 428, 430, 460, or BMB 406*13
MICRB 202*2BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course*3-4
ENGL 202C‡†3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
General Education Course3 
 18 16-17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 422, 428, 430, 460, or BMB 406*13BIOL 427*3
BIOL 422, 428, 430, 460, or BMB 406*13BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course*3-4
Supporting Course (School Approved List)2Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
 14 15-16
Total Credits 128-130
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Please meet with your adviser to discuss in which semesters and years these courses are offered.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) School Approved List of Course for Electives - All courses listed in the Penn State University course listings except those specifically listed in the 'non-approved courses' below are considered approved courses and can be used as supporting courses electives.
School of Science Non-Approved List of Courses for the BIOBC Major
- BIOL no course under 100
- MATH no course under MATH 140MATH 140A(2 of 6 credits)
-BISC 1BISC 2BISC 3BISC 4
-MICRB 106 and MICRB 107
-BMB 1, BMB 3
-PHYS 1,PHYS 150,PHYS 151
-CHEM 1CHEM 3CHEM 101CHEM 106 (2 of 5 credits), CHEM 108
-PLSC 7, PLSC 8, PLSC 11
- CMPSC 1, CMPSC 100
-LLED 5LLED 10
-ENGL 4ENGL 5
-STAT 100

Advising Notes

1.)CHEM 110: Prerequisite satisfactory performance on the MATH placement test (ALKES) - i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 22; or CHEM 101 and MATH 22 or MATH 41
2.) MICRB 201 should be taken concurrently with MICRB 202 Lab
3.) Take PHYS 213 if you have taken PHYS 211 and PHYS 212
4.) Take PHYS 214 if you have taken PHYS 211 and PHYS 212

Health Professions Option: Biology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 110*#4BIOL 240W*4
ENGL 15 or 30H3MATH 141*†4
CHEM 110*†3CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 140 (or appropriate MATH Course from ALEKS test)*†4General Education Course3
PSU 71General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 17.5 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W*4BIOL 230W*4
CHEM 2103CAS 100‡†3
SC 2011CHEM 2123
General Education Course3CHEM 2132
Elective or MATH 141 (if Calculus is not complete)3STAT 2503
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 17 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 322*3BIOL 472*3
PHYS 2504BIOL 473*2
MICRB 201*3BMB 402
BMB 403*
4
MICRB 202*2ENGL 202C‡†3
CHEM 472*3PHYS 2514
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 421*14BIOL 427*3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3BIOL 430, MICRB 410, or MICRB 412*3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level Course*3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 16 12
Total Credits 128
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

See adviser for acceptable substitutions

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) School Approved List of Course for Electives - All courses listed in the Penn State University course listings except those specifically listed in the 'non-approved courses' below are considered approved courses and can be used as supporting courses electives.
School of Science Non-Approved List of Courses for the BIOBC Major
- BIOL no course under 100
- MATH no course under MATH 140MATH 140A (2 of 6 credits)
-BISC 1BISC 2BISC 3BISC 4
-MICRB 106 and MICRB 107
-BMB 1, BMB 3
-PHYS 1PHYS 150PHYS 151
-CHEM 1CHEM 3CHEM 101CHEM 106 (2 of 5 credits), CHEM 108
-PLSC 7, PLSC 8, PLSC 11
- CMPSC 1, CMPSC 100
-LLED 5LLED 10
-ENGL 4ENGL 5
-STAT 100
-BIOL 421: Comparative Anatomy and BIOL 497: Human Anatomy alternate each year

Advising Notes

1.)CHEM 110: Prerequisite satisfactory performance on the MATH placement test (ALKES) - i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 22; or CHEM 101 and MATH 22 or MATH 41

Medical Technology Option: Biology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 110S*#4BIOL 240W*4
ENGL 15 or 30H3MATH 141*†4
CHEM 110*†3CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 140 (or appropriate MATH Course from ALEKS test)*†4General Education Course3
PSU 71General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 17.5 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W*4BIOL 230W*4
CHEM 210 (if pursuing CHEM 210-212-213 sequence) or General Education Course3STAT 2503
Elective or MATH 141 (if Calculus not complete)3-4CHEM 202 or 212 and 2133
General Education Course3ENGL 202C‡†3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16-17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 322*3MICRB 410*13
MICRB 201*3PHYS 2514
MICRB 202*2BMB 402, 406, BIOL 472, or MICRB 415*3-4
PHYS 2504General Education Course3
CAS 1003 
CHEM 203 (if pursuing CHEM 202-203 sequence) or General Education Course3 
 18 13-14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MICRB 405A*8MICRB 405B*1
MICRB 405C*6MICRB 405D*5
MICRB 405F*3MICRB 405E*7
 MICRB 408*1
 17 14
Total Credits 128-130
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

MICRB 410 must be completed before clinical courses at St. Vincent.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) School Approved List of Course for Electives - All courses listed in the Penn State University course listings except those specifically listed in the 'non-approved courses' below are considered approved courses and can be used as supporting courses electives.
School of Science Non-Approved List of Courses for the BIOBC Major
- BIOL no course under 100
- MATH no course under MATH 140MATH 140A (2 of 6 credits)
-BISC 1BISC 2BISC 3BISC 4
-MICRB 106 and MICRB 107
-BMB 1, BMB 3
-PHYS 1PHYS 150PHYS 151
-CHEM 1CHEM 3CHEM 101CHEM 106 (2 of 5 credits), CHEM 108
-PLSC 7, PLSC 8, PLSC 11
- CMPSC 1, CMPSC 100
-LLED 5LLED 10
-ENGL 4ENGL 5
-STAT 100

Advising Notes

1.) CHEM 110: Prerequisite satisfactory performance on the MATH placement test (ALKES) - i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 22; or CHEM 101 and MATH 22 or MATH 41
2.) MICRB 201 should be taken concurrently with MICRB 202 Lab
3.) MICRB 410 required for admission to clinical program

Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry Option: Biology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 110*#4BIOL 240W*4
ENGL 15 or 30H3MATH 141*†4
CHEM 110*†3CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 140 (or appropriate MATH Course from ALEKS test)*†4General Education Course3
PSU 71General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 17.5 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W*4BIOL 230W*4
CHEM 2103CAS 1003
Elective or MATH 141 (if Calculus is not completed)3-4CHEM 212
CHEM 213
5
General Education Course3STAT 2503
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16-17 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 322*3PHYS 2514
PHYS 2504BMB 406*13
ENGL 202C‡†3MICRB 410*3
MICRB 201*3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
MICRB 202*2General Education Course3
General Education Course 
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, ENT, or WFS 400-level course*3-4BIOL 427*3
CHEM 472*3BMB 402*3
BMB 442*3BMB 403*1
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
 Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
 15-16 16
Total Credits 130-132
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

See adviser for acceptable substitutions

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) School Approved List of Course for Electives - All courses listed in the Penn State University course listings except those specifically listed in the 'non-approved courses' below are considered approved courses and can be used as supporting courses electives.
School of Science Non-Approved List of Courses for the BIOBC Major
- BIOL no course under 100
- MATH no course under MATH 140MATH 140A (2 of 6 credits)
-BISC 1BISC 2BISC 3BISC 4
-MICRB 106 and MICRB 107
-BMB 1, BMB 3
-PHYS 1PHYS 150PHYS 151
-CHEM 1CHEM 3CHEM 101CHEM 106 (2 of 5 credits), CHEM 108
-PLSC 7, PLSC 8, PLSC 11
- CMPSC 1, CMPSC 100
-LLED 5LLED 10
-ENGL 4ENGL 5
-STAT 100

Advising Notes

1.)CHEM 110: Prerequisite satisfactory performance on the MATH placement test (ALKES) - i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 22; or CHEM 101 and MATH 22 or MATH 41

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Option: Biology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 110*#4BIOL 240W*4
ENGL 15 or 30H3MATH 1414
CHEM 110*†3CHEM 1123
CHEM 1111CHEM 1131
MATH 140 (or appropriate MATH Course based on ALEKS scores)*†4General Education Course3
PSU 71General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 17.5 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W*4BIOL 230W*4
CHEM 210 (if pursuing CHEM 210-212-213 sequence) or General Education Course3CHEM 202 or 212 and 2133-5
Elective or MATH 141 (if Calculus has not been completed)3-4CAS 1003
General Education Course3STAT 2503
General Education Course1.5General Education Course3
 14.5-15.5 16-18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 322*3BIOL 429 (or BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, or WFS 400-level Course)*3
BIOL 435 or 446 (or other BIOL, MICRB, BMB, or WFS 400-level Course)*3-4BIOL 402W*3
PHYS 2504PHYS 2514
CHEM 203 (or Supporting Course (School Approved List))3ENGL 202C‡†3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16-17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 435 or 446 (or other BIOL, MICRB, BMB, or WFS 400-level Course)*3-4BIOL 427*3
BIOL 435 or 446 (or other BIOL, MICRB, BMB, or WFS 400-level Course)*3-4Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
Supporting Course (School Approved List) or STAT Selection*3Supporting Course (School Approved List)3
Supporting Course (School Approved List)3BIOL 429 (or BIOL, MICRB, BMB, PPEM, or WFS 400-level Course)*3
 15-17 15
Total Credits 126.5-132.5
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) School Approved List of Course for Electives - All courses listed in the Penn State University course listings except those specifically listed in the 'non-approved courses' below are considered approved courses and can be used as supporting courses electives.
School of Science Non-Approved List of Courses for the BIOBC Major
- BIOL no course under 100
- MATH no course under MATH 140MATH 140A(2 of 6 credits)
-BISC 1BISC 2BISC 3BISC 4
-MICRB 106 and MICRB 107
-BMB 1, BMB 3
-PHYS 1PHYS 150PHYS 151
-CHEM 1CHEM 3CHEM 101CHEM 106 (2 of 5 credits), CHEM 108
-PLSC 7, PLSC 8, PLSC 11
- CMPSC 1, CMPSC 100
-LLED 5LLED 10
-ENGL 4ENGL 5
-STAT 100

Advising Notes

1.) CHEM 110: Prerequisite satisfactory performance on the MATH placement test (ALKES) - i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 22; or CHEM 101 and MATH 22 or MATH 41
2.) Take PHYS 213 if you have taken PHYS 211 and PHYS 212
3.) Take PHYS 214 if you have taken PHYS 211 and PHYS 212
4.) Supporting STAT Courses: STAT 461, STAT 462, STAT 464, STAT 466

Career Paths

Biology is among the most versatile of college majors and a jumping-off point for careers that can range from astrobiologist to microbiologist to zoologist. Whether you envision a career working with cancer cells or California condors, a Biology degree from Penn State Behrend can make that happen. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.

Careers

Biologists are everywhere! Penn State Behrend biology graduates include bioforensic identification specialists, orthotists, research biologists, biophysicists, anesthesiologist, dentists, veterinarians, national park rangers, doctors, high school teachers, physician assistants, college professors, lawyers, and even a lead elephant zookeeper!

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS FOR GRADUATES OF THE BIOLOGY PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Biology is a common foundational major for graduate study in a specialized subdiscipline such as aquatic biology or genetics. Its broad diversity of experiences make it a popular undergraduate major for future medical doctors, veterinarians, physician assistants, and other health-care professionals. Penn State Behrend offers numerous pre-health profession options within its degree program, including 3+4 and early admissions programs.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

Erie

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
1 Prischak
4205 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6105
behrend-science@psu.edu

https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-science