Bachelor of Science in Biology

Prepare for a dynamic career in research or get ready for professional school.

Interested in a career in the sciences or continuing your education in a graduate or professional program such as medical school? The Bachelor of Science in Biology from PennWest University provides a challenging biology curriculum that will help you get there.

This undergraduate degree program can be tailored to your unique needs and interests. The broad biology curriculum includes courses in anatomy, microbiology, histology, cell biology and genetics, and is supplemented with courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics. You can add electives that range from animal histology to Immunology and biochemistry.

Expert faculty will become your mentors as you learn and grow. Our top-notch facilities provide hands-on experience using up-to-date methods, instrumentation and technology specific to your field. You will study the practical application of the course content by directly applying it in the field and through case studies in the classroom, and have excellent opportunities to participate in independent research projects and present your results in a professional setting.

You’ll graduate ready to pursue advanced studies in biology and related fields, for industrial and government research, or to take on a career in public health and other health-related fields.

View program details

Credits: 120

Contact:
Chadwick Hanna
hanna@pennwest.edu
724-938-5989

19:1

Student-to-faculty ratio at PennWest California

Biology-related internships

Help you acquire additional expertise and hands-on experience.

Research opportunities

Our biology students frequently win awards for their research at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB) annual conference. 

Locations
Biology (no concentration)
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Mortuary Science
Pre-Medical Science
California In-Person
Clarion In-Person
Edinboro In-Person
Pre-Veterinary Science
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Concentrations

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Mortuary Science
Pre-Medical Science
Pre-Veterinary Science

Careers and Salaries

Graduates with a biology degree have many career options, from continuing their education to finding employment in various types of laboratories or with private industry, government or nonprofit organizations. About 40% of all biological scientists are employed by federal, state and local government organizations.  

Biological scientists work for the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Interior and Defense, and for the National Institutes of Health. Many graduates also find rewarding opportunities in scientific research and testing laboratories, the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, or educational institutions.

Program Outcomes

Biology

  1. Students will describe and explain the content knowledge of biology (cells through ecosystems) through its fundamental theories, terminology, and principles.
  2. Students will apply the scientific method to develop hypotheses, and design and conduct laboratory or field research to address Biological questions.
  3. Students will critically review, synthesize, interpret, and assess scientific data using a variety of methods and tools.
  4. Students will access, assess, and use available sources of information (including primary sources and databases) in the Biological sciences.
  5. Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations
  6. Students will be able to identify social and ethical issues in the field of Biology.

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

  1. Students will be able to describe foundational principles of molecular biology (the role of energy in biological systems; how the structure of biological molecules relates to their function and regulation; the dynamic mechanisms underlying information storage and flow)  
  2. Students will be able to develop a hypothesis, design and conduct appropriate experiments
  3. Students will be able to analyze and interpret data using appropriate quantitative modeling and simulation tools
  4. Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases, sequence data)
  5. Students will be able to present scientific data in an appropriate context and in a variety of ways at different levels
  6. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the social and ethical dimensions of science
  7. Students will be able to work safely alone and in an effective team

Mortuary Science

  1. Students will be able to describe the foundational principles of biology (cellular and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology), with a particular emphasis on these areas as they relate to the health professions.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency with basic human anatomy and physiology laboratory equipment and techniques
  3. Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret scientific data, with a particular emphasis on medically relevant data
  4. Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases)
  5. Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations
  6. Students will be able to identify and explain social and ethical issues related to medical biology
  7. Students will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team

Pre-Medical Science

  1. Students will be able to describe the foundational principles of biology (cellular and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, anatomy, physiology), with a particular emphasis on these areas as they relate to the health professions.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency with basic human anatomy and physiology laboratory equipment and techniques
  3. Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret scientific data, with a particular emphasis on medically relevant data
  4. Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases)
  5. Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations
  6. Students will be able to identify and explain social and ethical issues related to medical biology
  7. Students will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team

Pre-Veterinary Science

  1. Students will be able to describe the foundational principles of biology (cellular and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology), with a particular emphasis on these areas as they relate to the health professions.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency with basic animal anatomy and physiology laboratory equipment and techniques
  3. Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret scientific data, with a particular emphasis on medically relevant data
  4. Students will be able to access, assess and use available sources of information (primary literature, databases)
  5. Students will be able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and/or verbal presentations
  6. Students will be able to identify and explain social and ethical issues related to medical biology
  7. Students will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team

The Power of PennWest

PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.

Flexible. Affordable.
Designed to Meet Your needs.