Undergraduate Bulletin - Loyola Marymount University

Biology
Faculty:
Chairperson: M. Catharine McElwain
Professors: Michael Danciger, Roy S. Houston,
Stephen H. Scheck, Anthony P. Smulders, CFMM,
John P. Waggoner III
Associate Professors: Philippa M. Drennan,
Gary Kuleck, M. Catharine McElwain, Martin Ramirez
Assistant Professors: Wendy J. Binder,
Jennifer R. Gillette, Carl R. Urbinati
The mission of the Biology Department is to promote an
appreciation for and understanding of the science of
biology in our students. The particular objectives of the
Biology Department are to: (1) provide students with a
broad background in the biological sciences; (2) enable
students to master the essential concepts of biology; (3)
develop students’ ability to think critically about scientific
information and solve scientific problems; (4) enable
students to articulate ideas and present information in
both written and oral forms in a clear, organized fashion;
(5) teach students the skills of both field and laboratory
biology, and enable them to participate directly in the
scientific discovery process; (6) facilitate students’
independent exploration of career opportunities; and (7)
participate in the University’s effort to educate nonscience
majors in the areas of science and technology.
The B.S. in Biology
The B.S. in Biology degree prepares students for a variety
of careers following graduation. Substantial numbers of
students go on to health professional schools to study
medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, podiatric
medicine, and veterinary medicine. Other students go on
to various graduate programs in the basic biological
sciences (e.g., physiology, genetics, molecular biology,
immunology, microbiology, marine biology, ecology, etc.),
college teaching, and positions in industry and in research
and development.
The B.S. in Biology program provides for the opportunity
to double major in Biology-Chemistry, Biology-Physics,
Biology-Mathematics, Biology-Engineering, and Biology-
Psychology. A special option is available in Marine
Biology.
BIOLOGY
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Major Requirements, Lower Division: for
the B.S. in Biology
BIOL 101*, 102*, 111*, 112*, 201*, 202*; CHEM
110*, 111*, 112*, 113*, 220*, 221*, 222, 223;
MATH 122*, 123 (MATH 131, 132 may be substituted
for MATH 122, 123); PHYS 253, 254, 255, 256.
* A student must complete with a C (2.0) average the
lower division requirements indicated by asterisks,
including a C (2.0) average in BIOL 101, 102, 111, 112,
201, and 202, prior to becoming eligible to take any
upper division biology course.
The B.A. in Biology
The B.A. in Biology degree is a general liberal arts
program. The core curriculum for the B.A. in Biology is
identical to that for the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
except that additional Mathematics, Science and
Technology courses are required by the major. The B.A.
will allow for a double major with other liberal arts
programs. Preprofessional students should select the
program leading to the B.S. degree.
Major Requirements, Lower Division: for
the B.A. in Biology
BIOL 101*, 102*, 111*, 112*, 201*, 202*; CHEM
110*, 111*, 112*, 113*, 220*, 6 semester hours of
mathematics to include MATH 122*, plus 3.0 additional
semester hours in science to be approved by the
Department Chairperson.
* A student must complete with a C (2.0) average the
courses indicated with an asterisk, including a C (2.0)
average in BIOL 101, 102, 111, 112, 201, 202, prior to
becoming eligible to take any upper division biology
course.
Major Requirements, Upper Division: (both
B.S. and B.A. in Biology)
27 (B.S.) or 24 (B.A.) upper division semester hours in
Biology, to be selected from the groups listed below, and
to include at least 4 laboratory courses.
(a) One course in Cell/Organism Function, to be
selected from BIOL 351, 353, 356, 357, 371.
(b) One course in Molecular Biology, to be selected
from BIOL 330, 437, 439, 443.
(c) One course in Organismal Diversity, to be selected
from BIOL 312, 328, 329, 333, 334, 335, 361,
421, 422.