Undergraduate Bulletin - Loyola Marymount University

Biology
Faculty
Chairperson: Martin Ramirez
Professors: Michael Danciger, Roy S. Houston,
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, Kam D. Dahlquist,
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.
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.
BIOLOGY / 349
* 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 and
sciences program. The core curriculum for the B.A. in
Biology is identical to that of the Bellarmine College of
Liberal Arts except no additional core Mathematics, Science
and Technology courses are required. 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.
(d) One course in Populations, to be selected from
BIOL 315, 316, 318, 328, 329, 422, 423,
475, 477.
Note: BIOL 328, 329, or 422 can satisfy only (c) or (d).
(e) One 2 semester hour seminar or research
course.
(f) 3 (B.S.) or 2 (B.A.) additional upper division
biology courses.