Biology
Mission Statement
The mission of the biology program is to provide a comprehensive understanding and appreciation for the life sciences within the context of a liberal arts education. Biology is a broadly encompassing discipline of science, and we work to educate our students in each of the hierarchical levels of life. We strive to educate students not only in the foundational knowledge of biological sciences but also in the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary to pursue diverse careers in biology and related fields.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in biology offers students a comprehensive education in the life sciences. The program covers the essential topics within biology, including molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological aspects, and explores how these areas interact within an evolutionary framework. This curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in biology upon graduation, continued education in graduate programs in biological sciences or health professions, or to teach biology at the secondary school level.
Students will not be allowed to take 400-level biology courses prior to admission into the biology major.
Biology Major Admission Requirements and Procedures
- Admission to Cumberland University with declaration of biology major.
- Completion of all pre-biology coursework during or before the semester of application for admission to the major.
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- A cover letter or letter of intent: a formal letter stating why you are applying to the program and a clear explanation of your academic and career goals.
- Official transcript(s) must be on file with the Office of Admissions.
Admission to the Biology major is determined by the following criteria
- All courses and associated labs must be completed with a "C" or better during or before the semester of application for admission. Coursework requirements include: BIO 112, BIO 112L, BIO 165, CHEM 111, and CHEM 111L.
- A minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Academic Dishonesty/Disciplinary Provisions
A committee of biology and chemistry faculty will review each academic dishonesty and/or disciplinary action taken against a student on an individual basis. The committee reserves the right to deny admission into and/or expel from the biology major based upon any violation.
Special Admission Provisions
A committee of biology and chemistry Faculty will review student petitions for admission on individual basis. The Committee reserves the right to attach certain stipulations to admissions (e.g., by limiting the total number of hours in which a student may enroll during a semester and/or requiring specific developmental coursework and/or requiring a peer tutor).
Transfer Policies
Students must first meet the requirements for admission to Cumberland University. The Biology and Chemistry Committee will evaluate each student who transfers from another accredited program on an individual basis. Students who have earned a grade lower than "C" in a biology or chemistry course at another college or university will be evaluated by the committee which will determine admission on an individual basis. Requests to transfer biology and/or chemistry courses from another college or university will also be considered by the committee on an individual basis. Students who desire to transfer from another biology or biochemistry major must meet the following requirements:
- A letter of good standing from the previous program.
- A minimum grade of "C" in any science course the student desires to transfer. A written request for transfer credit must be forwarded to the Biology and Chemistry Committee for a ruling.
- Completion of a minimum of 25% or 30 credit hours toward a degree earned at Cumberland University.
Progression Requirements for all Biology Students
- Achievement of a minimum grade of "C" in all science courses, and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Students who receive two final course grades of "D" or lower in any science course or combination of science courses will be dismissed from the program. Once dismissed, the student may appeal for Special Admission Provisions.
- All biology majors are expected to achieve satisfactory scores on standardized comprehensive examinations during their senior year.
- Any biology student who has broken enrollment for more than one semester may not continue in the program but must apply for reinstatement into the major. The Biology and Chemistry Committee will review each student's case individually to determine placement in the program of study.
Degree Requirements
Area I – Foundation Skills - 3 hours
| FSL 101 | Foundations of Scholarship and Learning | 3 |
| or | |
| HON 101 | First Year Honors Seminar | 3 |
FSL 101 is required only for new and transferring freshmen with less than 24 credit hours. Students must earn a "C" or higher in FSL 101 or HON 101.
Area I - Rhetoric and Communication - 9 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in ENG 101 and ENG 102 or HON 110.
Area II - Mathematics - 3 or 4 hours
Choose one from the following:
Students must earn a "C" or higher in MATH 119 or MATH 121.
Area I - Computer Literacy - 3 hours
| CIS 170 | Introduction to Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| or | |
| ED 190/CIS 190 | Introduction to Computers for Instruction | 3 |
Area II - The Arts - 3 hours
Choose one from the following:
Area II - Literature in English- 3 hours
Choose one from the following:
Area II - Social Science and Humanities - 6 hours
Choose two different disciplines from the following:
| ANTH 210/SOC 210 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ECON 241 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| or | |
| ECON 242 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| GEOG 200 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| HON 221 | Humanities & Social Sciences Honors Seminar | 3 |
| PHIL 201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| POLSC 223 | Introduction to American National Government & Politics | 3 |
| or | |
| POLSC 224 | Introduction to American State and Local Government & Politics | 3 |
| PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| or | |
| PSY 211 | Psychology of Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| SOC 221 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| or | |
| SOC 223 | Social Problems | 3 |
Area II - History - 6 hours
Choose one sequence from the following:
| HIS 111 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| and | |
| HIS 112 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| or | |
| HIS 191 | World Civilization to 1500 | 3 |
| and | |
| HIS 192 | World Civilization since 1500 | 3 |
| or | |
| HIS 201 | History of the United States I | 3 |
| and | |
| HIS 202 | History of the United States II | 3 |
Area II - The Natural Sciences - 8 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in BIO 111, BIO 111L, CHEM 111, and CHEM 111L.
Required Biology Core Courses - 41 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in all Required Biology Core Courses.
Biology Electives - 8 hours
Choose eight additional credit hours at the 300 level or above. Students cannot earn more than two elective hours from BIO 390, Current Topics in Biology.
Students must earn a "C" or higher in all biology elective courses.
Additional Requirements for the major - 16 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in all requirements for the Biology major.
General Electives - 10-14 hours
Select sufficient courses from any academic discipline to bring the total hours for graduation to a minimum of 120.
Total GEC Credit Hours (41-45 hours)
Total Required Biology Core Courses (41 hours)
Total Additional Required Courses (16 hours)
Total Required Biology Elective Courses (8 hours)
Total General Electives (10-14 hours)
120 minimum hours required for graduation.