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Bachelor's Degrees in Biology (BS or BA)

Biology student Ari Arnold working in a laboratory.

Explore the wonders of the living world — from Anatomy to Zoology.

Studying the science of life itself means exploring a world of possibility. Whether you want to go into any of the health professions, research, industry, business, agencies, teaching, or virtually any career that requires you to solve problems, a bachelor’s degree in biology is a great place to start.

Studying biology at William Woods University means sequencing DNA in our Genetics Lab. It means working directly with a faculty member on real, applicable and life-changing research. In addition to immersive knowledge in biological sciences, students acquire hands-on, practical experience in laboratory and field settings.

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Options in Biology

Our Bachelor of Science in Biology is intended for students with health profession goals. We offer pre-veterinary and pre-medicine concentrations for students interested in pursuing advanced professional degrees, including veterinary, human medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy and other allied health fields. William Woods University has experienced a high percent acceptance rate for students who have applied for advanced professional degrees in veterinary medicine, medical school, pharmacy and physical therapy doctoral programs.

Pre-Veterinary Concentration

Pre-Medicine Concentration

Our Bachelor of Arts in Biology is for students interested in other areas of Biology that might lead to a career in research or an applied field; the B.A. degree is flexible and can be tailored to your specific interests.

Special opportunities

  • Take our Tropical Ecology field course in Central America
  • Participate in the Genomics Education Partnership; a classroom based research experience
  • Work collaboratively with our staff Veterinarian at the Center for Equine Medicine — explore diagnostics, treatment, therapies and learn from real case-studies happening right on campus
  • Take advantage of access to cutting-edge immersive research experiences in and out of class
  • Present at conferences and publish work with faculty
    • For example, one student recently worked collaboratively in plant genotyping for a National Science Foundation-funded research; funding (through extramural grant) to send a student to international immunology conference
  • Learn from enthusiastic faculty, who have a diverse range of biological interests, yet the same passion to teach and to help their students learn both inside and outside of the classroom
  • Get involved in a number of biology organizations such as Beta Beta Beta, the biology honors society, Biology Club, Pre-Medicine Club or Pre-Veterinary Club

The world awaits.

Our alumni have found careers in:

  • Medicine
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Medical Equipment sales
  • Scientific research
  • Teaching
  • Business

Employers

  • ABC Laboratories
  • Cerner Corporation
  • St. Louis University faculty
  • Various group practices and hospitals
  • Various school districts
  • Regulatory agencies

Student and Alumni Perspectives

I absolutely love the biology program here. The professors are amazing and all the courses are enriching.

— Claire McDonald '21

Requirements/Curriculum

Courses you may take

BIO 114 - Biology I for Majors -N - 4.00

This course will introduce the broad underpinnings of biological science with a focus on the subcellular level. Students will be expected to describe fundamental molecular topics – such as water, DNA, and shape – and begin integrating them in the context of overarching principles such as scientific method, biological systems, and evolution. This course is geared toward science majors and pre-health professions students. Concurrent enrollment in BIO115 required.

BIO 115 or BIO 116 - Biology I Lab for Majors or Gen Bio I Lab for Transfer students - 0.00 or 1.00

The purpose of this lab is to offer a hands-on investigative experience with some of the content addressed in BIO 114. Topics include measurement and microscopy, structure and function of the cell, the fundamental chemistry of life, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, Mendelian genetics, and an introduction to molecular biology. Experimental design, use of scientific equipment, and critical thinking are emphasized, culminating in the execution and analysis of a student-designed experiment during the second half of the course. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 114 required. or Students conduct laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and augment the biology lecture course that students earned credit for at a previous institution. Experiments illustrate basic life principles and structures. Available only to students with posted transfer credit for BIO114 at time of enrollment. (Lab fee)

BIO 124 - Biology II for Majors -N - 4.00

A continuation of the introductory sequence in biology, emphasizing the diversity of life as illustrated by organisms in the five major divisions of life forms. Anatomical, morphological, and life cycle characteristics of the various phyla and classes are introduced, and evolutionary and functional relationships stressed. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 125 required. Prerequisite - BIO114/115

BIO 125 - Biology II Lab for Majors - 0.00

This laboratory primarily surveys the organisms of the major divisions of life forms, and visually demonstrates the changes in complexity of their form and structure as evolutionary processes have shaped organisms through geological time. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 124 required. Required Lab fee

BIO 231 - Genetics - 4.00

This course will emphasize current developments and techniques in the study of inheritance including extensions and applications of transmission, population, and molecular genetics. Laboratory experiences will include Mendelian crosses of model organisms, computer simulations via software and Internet of traditional and population genetics, and an introduction to cell-molecular genetics techniques including micropipetting, sterile bacterial culture, and visualization and mapping of DNA via gel electrophoresis. Thought processes and problem solving will be emphasized. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 232 required. Prerequisites: BIO124/125 (*MAT 118 should be completed prior to or concurrent enrollment with BIO231/232)

BIO 232 - Genetics Lab - 0.00

Laboratory experiences will include Mendelian crosses of model organisms, computer simulations via software and Internet of traditional and population genetics, and an introduction to molecular genetics techniques including micropipetting, sterile bacterial culture, and visualization and mapping of DNA via gel electrophoresis. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 231 required. Required Lab fee

BIO 401 - Evolution - 3.00

Biologists widely regard evolution as the single unifying conceptual theme in a n extremely diverse and multi-leveled discipline. This course will attempt to integrate the thematic highlights of other courses in biology while integrating current developments and issues in evolution. Prerequisites - BIO231/232

BIO 450 - Biology Practicum - 1.00

This portion of the Capstone experience will focus on preparation for the Senior Assessment and Senior Presentation, self-reflection on career choices and preparation for graduate program and/or career through: resume writing and critique, analysis of the job market and consideration of the perceived match between career plans and academic and personal strengths. Prerequisite - BIO major and srping of Junior year standing

CHM 114 - General Chemistry I -N - 4.00

A study of the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry with emphasis on stoichiometry and atomic theory and bonding. Must be taken concurrently with CHM115. Prerequisite -MAT099 or Math ACT/SAT of 22/520 or higher

CHM 115 or CHM 116 - General Chemistry I Lab or General Chemistry I Lab transfer st - 0.00 or 1.00

Concurrent enrollment in CHM 114 required. Meets three hours per week. (Lab fee) or Includes laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and augment the chemistry lecture course that students earned credit for at a previous institution. Available only to students with posted transfer credit for CHM114 at time of enrollment. (lab fee)

CHM 124 - General Chemistry II -N - 4.00

A continuation of CHM 114 with emphasis on equilibrium, electrochemistry, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Prerequisites:CHM 114 and CHM 115

CHM 125 - General Chemistry II Lab - 0.00

A laboratory study of principles of equilibrium and inorganic reactions directed toward the qualitative analysis of inorganic materials. Concurrent enrollment in CHM 124 required. (Lab fee) Prerequisites: CHM 114 and CHM 115

CHM 314 - Organic Chemistry I - 4.00

A systematic study of the compounds of carbon with emphasis on the principles of synthesis, analysis, and reaction mechanisms of organic functional groups. Prerequisites: CHM 124 and CHM 125

CHM 315 or CHM 316 - Organic Chemistry I Lab or Organic Chemistry I Lab for Transfer Students - 0.00 or 1.00

A study of the techniques of synthesis and analysis of organic compounds. Concurrent enrollment in CHM 314 required. (Lab fee) or Students conduct laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and augment the chemistry lecture course that students earned credit for at a previous institution. Experiments illustrate fundamental organic chemistry lab techniques and demonstrate phenomena and theory described in lecture. Available only to students with posted transfer credit for CHM 314 at time of enrollment. (Lab fee)

PHY 201 - Physics I -N - 4.00

An introductory physics course covering the topics of mechanics, thermodynamics, vibrations, and wave motion with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving. Computing software is used to provide interactive instruction and develop connections to the mathematical principals involved. Regular in-class demonstrations are performed and discussed in order to enhance conceptual understanding. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 202 required. (Lab Fee)

PHY 202 or PHY 203 - Physics I Lab or Physics I Lab for transfer students - 0.00 or 1.00

The laboratory component of Physics I which reinforces and expands on concepts taught in the lecture. While conducting experiments, students will make observations about physical systems and collect numerical data. Emphasis is placed on identifying patterns and relationships in physical parameters. Students develop hypotheses in order to make predictions and verify presumptions. Formal lab reports are used to summarize relevant findings. Corequisite: PHY 201 or Includes laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and augment the physics lecture course that students earned credit for at a previous institution. Available only to students with posted transfer credit for PHY201 at time of enrollment.

PHY 212 - Physics II -N - 4.00

A continuation of the introductory physics sequence which covers topics in electrostatics, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Fundamental concepts from Physics I are described in greater complexity. Students are expected to apply their understanding of energy, mass, force, and inertia to more advanced problems involving atomic systems. Demonstrations and computational simulations are used to increase conceptual understanding. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 213. (Lab Fee) Prerequisite: PHY 201.

PHY 213 - Physics II Lab - 0.00

The laboratory component of Physics II which reinforces and expands on concepts taught in the lecture. Group experiments are conducted in order to analyze the behavior of physical systems. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and inference as students are expected to use knowledge from the previous course to explain physical phenomena. Computational interface equipment and graphing software are used extensively. Students design and construct their own experiment on two occasions. Corequisite: PHY 212

Bachelor of Arts Curriculum:

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree at William Woods University consists of 122 distinct credit hours for graduation—including 28 core major credits and 22 required elective credits.

Bachelor of Science Curriculum:

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree at William Woods University consists of 122 distinct credit hours for graduation—including 36 core major credits, 4 required field course credits, 16-29 concentration credits, and 11 upper level electives.


Admissions Information

Learn more about undergraduate admissions requirements, deadlines, tuition and financial aid available to you.

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