Overview

Viterbo’s biology program provides students with a breadth of knowledge within the biological sciences, including cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution; as well as the opportunity to gain a greater depth of knowledge in specialized areas of interest. The biology program at Viterbo offers a student-centered learning environment including hands-on experiences, career exploration, research, and internships within the curriculum.

Policy
  • Students majoring in biology must maintain a biology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The biology GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in biology and required support courses. Any student whose biology GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the biology GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further biology courses. An earned grade of a D or lower in any biology or support course will not be credited toward the biology major.
  • Directed research must be faculty-approved, but may be conducted at an institution other than Viterbo University with prior approval. Special topics are offered periodically. Credit for these courses may substitute for one or more of the listed courses with faculty approval.
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand importance of interrelationships and unifying themes of major biological concepts
  • Understand the elements of the scientific method, design and implement experiments independently, and analyze and present data to the faculty and peers in a competent and professional manner
  • Students should be familiar with the principles, operation, and problems of common laboratory procedures and instrumentation
  • Students should understand the complexity of ethical issues surrounding science

Requirements

Complete ENGL-103 and 104 or 105 or 195. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved sophomore writing intensive course.
Complete three credits of approved quantitative literacy. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved information literacy course. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved oral communication course. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.

Complete one Franciscan Values and Traditions course (VUSM-100 level course). Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
Complete one Living in a Diverse World course. Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
Complete one Social Justice and Equity course.
Complete one The Ethical Life course (VUSM-400 level).

Complete three credits of historical analysis.
Complete three credits of literary analysis.
Complete four credits of scientific reasoning in the natural sciences.
Complete three credits of scientific reasoning in the social sciences.
Complete three credits of artistic engagement.
Complete three credits of theological inquiry.
Complete three credits of integrating faith and practice.
Complete three credits of philosophical and moral inquiry.

BIOL 160, 161, 250, 251, 397, 489 or 498, 499, CHEM 120, 121, 140 or 240, MATH 130 or 230, PHYS 250 and 270 or 260 and 270 or ENVS 350, 17 credits of upper division from BIOL including one course from each area (three courses must include a lab): organismal biology - BIOL 317, 347, 426, 482, NEUR 353; cell and molecular biology - BIOL 305, 370, 376, 430; ecological and evolutionary interactions with the environment - BIOL 310, 321, 340. Students planning to attend medically related schools may be advised to take CHEM 340 and PHYS 251/271 or 261/271. (56-65 credits)

Complete 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics. (Courses that qualify for Scientific Reasoning in the Natural Sciences or Quantitative Literacy credit within the LIVE program may also count toward the total.)

Complete a minimum of 40 upper division credits (300/400).
Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits.
Addendum

Viterbo University Degree in Three Program for Biology Majors

This accelerated degree program provides an opportunity for outstanding, highly motivated students to complete their bachelor’s degree in three years rather than the traditional four. This program is available to students who wish to major in biology.