Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

  • Overview

    The WPU Biology Department is a hub of activity and discovery where students explore the broad and exciting world of the biological sciences. Two degree tracks and opportunities to gain valuable research and teaching experience lead to a wide range of post-graduate and career options.

    As a Biology major at William Peace University, you’ll have the opportunity to explore challenging and cutting-edge coursework including microbiology, biochemistry, cellular biology, and molecular biology. Students in the biology program enjoy small class sizes with experienced faculty members who take a stake in their future. Through involving lab opportunities, you’ll step out of the classroom and truly experience the field.

    B.S. or B.A.?

    The Bachelor of Science track is a focused degree emphasizing math, chemistry, and physics and is an avenue for career paths in dental, medical, and veterinary fields, as well as graduate programs in these and other areas.

    The Bachelor of Arts degree program is a flexible degree that allows students to pursue the field of biology along with electives to prepare them for careers in nursing, health administration, medical technology, pharmaceutical sales, crime investigation, museum education, and more.

    If you want to go to medical school, or are considering a career in the health sciences or life sciences, then a degree in biology may be the right decision for you.

    Biology BA Sample Four-Year Plan

    Biology BS Sample Four-Year Plan

    Study Biology at WPU
    Biology students examine things in a scientific manner & help make the world a better place
  • Courses

    The courses listed below are for the Academic Catalog and are subject to change. Please reference the Academic Catalog for further information and course descriptions. If you are a current student, please reference the catalog in which you come under.
    Please note, there are two tracks for Biology. First listed is the Bachelor of Science and following is for the Bachelor of Arts.

    Bachelor of Science in Biology

    Liberal Education Curriculum 49 credit hours
    Biology Core Courses 20 credit hours
    Biology Electives 17-20 credit hours
    Allied Requirements 28 credit hours
    General Electives 4-8 credit hours
    Total credit hours for B.S. in Biology 120 credit hours

     

    Biology Core Courses 20 credit hours
    BIO 101: Principles of Biology 4
    Group A (choose one):
    Any organismal diversity course with lab
    4 credit hours
    Group B (choose one):
    BIO 330: Ecology 4
    BIO 430: Ethology: Animal Behavior 4
    Group C (choose one):
    BIO 450: Cell Biology 4
    BIO 460: Genetics 4
    Capstone:
    BIO 440: Evolutionary Biology 4

     

    Biology Electives 18 credit hours
    Additional courses, of which at least two must include a lab, may include any course listed in the Biology curriculum (including core courses which have no already been taken), CHE 350: Biochemistry, or other biology courses approved through CRC or summer school. 18

     

    Allied Requirements for Biology Major 28 credit hours
    CHE 111: General Chemistry I 4
    CHE 112: General Chemistry II 4
    CHE 211: Organic Chemistry I 4
    CHE 212: Organic Chemistry II 4
    PHY 211: College Physics I 4
    PHY 212: College Physics II 4
    MAT 241: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (or higher) 4

     

    General Electives 5 credit hours

     

    Bachelor of Arts in Biology

    Liberal Education Curriculum 49 credit hours
    Biology Core Courses 20 credit hours
    Biology Electives 18 credit hours
    Allied Requirements 8 credit hours
    General Electives 25 credit hours
    Total credit hours for B.A. in Biology 120 credit hours

     

    Biology Core Courses 20 credit hours
    BIO 101: Principles of Biology 4
    Group A (choose one):
    Any organismal diversity course with lab
    Group B (choose one):
    BIO 330: Ecology 4
    BIO 430: Ethology: Animal Behavior 4
    Group C (choose one):
    BIO 450: Cell Biology 4
    BIO 460: Genetics 4
    Capstone:
    BIO 440: Evolutionary Biology 4

     

    Biology Electives 18 credit hours
    Additional courses, of which at least two must include a lab, may include any courses listed in the Biology curriculum (including core courses which have not already been taken) or other biology courses approved through CRC or summer school. 18

     

    Allied Requirements for Biology Major 8 credit hours
    CHE 111: General Chemistry I 4
    CHE 112: General Chemistry II 4

     

    General Electives 25 credit hours

     

    Minor in Biology 18-20 credit hours
    BIO 101: Principles of Biology 4
    Take 14-16 hours, of which at least two must include a lab. 1-4 credits each
  • Faculty
    Lisa Bonner
    Department Chair of Science and Mathematics; ​Professor of Biology
    ​Associate Professor of Biology
    Associate Professor of Biology
    Headshot of WPU faculty member, Hrvoje Lusic
    Assistant Professor of Chemistry
  • Careers

    The biology major provides undergraduate preparation for a wide variety of careers such as medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, medical technology and teaching.
    Biology majors learn to solve problems, work in teams and develop research and analytical skills. Graduates go on to careers in areas such as biotechnology, medical laboratory research, pharmaceutical sales, diet and nutrition and forensics.

    Recent Internships Include:

    • North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
    • North Carolina Bureau of Investigation
    • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
    • North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health
    • Duke University Medical Center
    • Seymour Johnson AFB United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
    • United States Coast Guard
    • Davidson Animal Hospital, NC
    • Genetics Conservation Lab, NC
    • Pediatric Therapy Associates, NC

    Recent employment of biology majors:

    • Scientist, GlaxoSmith Kline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
    • Special Agent-Forensic Biology, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
    • Research Assistant, Pamlico County Health Department
    • Medical Laboratory Technologist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
    • Quality Specialist, Hospira Pharmaceuticals
    • Environmental Technician, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
    • Lab Analyst, Environment 1, Inc., NC
    • Molecular Technologist I, Duke Health Systems
    • IPT QA Coordinator, Merck Pharmaceuticals
    • Associate Research Scientist, Grifols, Inc., NC

    Recent graduate school acceptances:

    • Duke University School of Nursing
    • East Carolina University School of Medicine
    • Campbell University School of Pharmacy
    • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Physical Therapy, School of Dentistry
    • Auburn University School of Veterinary Sciences
    • Methodist University Physician’s Assistant Program
    • New York College of Podiatric Medicine

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