Biology

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOLOGY

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree is segmented into 3 academic tracks:

Biochemical Analysis & Instrumentation (BAI) Track - prepares students for lab intensive careers that integrate biological and chemical concepts, instrumentation, and analysis, and to prepare students for graduate degrees (MS, PhD) in multiple biological, chemical or biomedical disciplines.  Potential career paths could include chemical and biochemical industries, forensic science laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or quality control laboratories.

Pre-professional Human Medicine (HMED) Track - prepares students for admission to and postgraduate education in, for example, medical (MD, DO), dental (DDS, DMD), veterinary (DVM), physical therapy (DPT) and physician's assistant (MMS) programs worldwide. In addition to academic readiness, the Human Medicine track provides opportunities for service and leadership in the student organization Beta Sigma Mu and provides interview preparation and letters of recommendation through the Premedical Advisory Committee.

3+2 Accelerated -This expanded program is designed to allow highly qualified students the opportunity for acceptance into Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's 26 month PA program (professional phase) after successfully mastering the initial 3.5 years of biology-human medicine curriculum (pre-professional phase). This program shortens the total amount of time to receive an MMS: Physician Assistant degree by 6 months to 1 year. Ultimately, these students will graduate with both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology-Human Medicine Track and a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies.

Declaration of Major

A student may declare the biology degree with the desired track at any time, but must meet with a faculty advisor to help develop his/her individual degree plan. Requirements for acceptance into the program (except for 3+2 Accelerated) are the same as for acceptance to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of minimum semester hours and courses required for the specific degree track;
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on all college coursework, including all transfer courses (a grade of C or better in BIOL, CHEM, MATH, PHYS courses);
• Fulfillment of the residency requirement of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University for the baccalaureate degree (see Academic Policies section);
• Fulfillment of University requirement to successfully complete two courses using service-learning (SL); and
• Clearance of indebtedness to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University including the return of all materials borrowed from the University Library.

Goals

The goals of the Biology Program are as follows:

• To provide a multidisciplinary education that emphasizes ethical scientific reasoning and problem solving
• To prepare students for a wide variety of post-baccalaureate paths, including careers in laboratory science or instrumentation and graduate programs in laboratory research or medicine (physician/physician’s assistant/physical therapy)

Metrics of how well the Biology Program is meeting its goals:

• 80% of graduates who seek employment will be gainfully employed within 12 months of graduation.
• 80% of graduates in the GPA upper quartile who seek to further their education will be admitted to a graduate program within 12 months of graduation.
• 60% of graduates will be involved in community service and/or a professional organization within 12 months of graduation.
• 80% of graduating seniors will agree or strongly agree with the following statements:
  • I am confident in my ability to be productive in a science laboratory.
  • The curriculum has adequately prepared me for standardized exams necessary for successful admission into graduate schools.
• 80% of graduating seniors will indicate that coursework has contributed a fair amount or a great deal to their learning gains in the following:
  • Using the scientific method to solve problems effectively.
  • Understanding the relationship between science and ethics.

Enrollment

Students can be accepted into the program at the beginning of any term. Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. Both entering freshman and transfer students may begin the program.

Applications Procedure

Students should complete the regular online application (which can be found at Application Process) indicating Biology (and the track) as the selected program. Any questions related to the online application process should be addressed through the Admissions Office at 225-768-1700. There is no separate application process for a Biology Degree.  After completing 65 credit hours in the program, the student is required to complete a Declaration of Major form, which is obtained from the Registrar’s Office. The Biology Program Advisor must sign this form.

Tuition

See the undergraduate Tuition & Fee Schedule.

Financial Assistance

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has financial aid counselors available to assist students with the financial aid process. All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form this may be done online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Transferability

See Transfer Equivalencies regarding transferability of courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities. Further information regarding transfer of credit can be obtained at the Office of Admissions. Credit for university level achievement may be awarded through the CLEP and/or ACT examination.

Requirements

A student must declare the Bachelor of Science in Biology program his/her major prior to completing the final 60 credit hours required for the degree. Applicants to the program must meet with a faculty advisor to develop a degree plan. All degree plans must be approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Requirements for acceptance into the program are the same as for acceptance to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.  Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.