Curriculum Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Biology

General Education

Foundations Credits:
FCWR 101 Writing I: College Composition 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: WRIT 100 or Writing Placement Exam

A course introducing students to the fundamentals of college composition. Topics include writing process, rhetorical strategies, basics of critical reading and thinking, analytical writing, and argumentative writing. This course serves as a foundation to prepare students to succeed in other academic writing contexts. Coursework includes a computer lab component.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
FCWR 151 Writing II: Research Writing 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: FCWR 101 or WRIT 101

Further development of the academic writing process, critical thinking, and analytical reading skills taught in FCWR 101. Focus on academic research planning, source evaluation skills, and audience awareness leading to a documented research paper. Specific attention to academic integrity in research writing.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
FCWR 302 Communication for Healthcare Careers 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161)

Building on courses taken in their majors, students will learn and apply concepts of effective written and oral expression appropriate for careers in the health and biology professions. In addition to closely examining a variety of texts across the discipline, students will develop public speaking skills while also learning to collaborate on grant proposals, literature reviews, pamphlets and posters, and a research paper. Topics covered include the rhetoric of writing in the health professions, ethics, images in the sciences, grant- and abstract writing, and researching and writing publishable manuscripts. Course work includes a computer lab component.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
—OR—
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
FCWR 304 Communication for Technical Professions 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161)

Building on courses taken in their majors, students will learn and apply concepts of effective written and oral expression appropriate for careers in the technology professions, such as engineering and computer science. In addition to modes of technical discourse (definition, description, analysis, interpretation), this course emphasizes strategies for effective business communication in the technical professions and stylistics of technical communication. Methods and procedures of research are explored in depth. Course work includes a computer lab component, oral presentation of final reports using presentation software, and exploration of appropriate technology for technical communication.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Data Literacy Credits:
DATA 101 Making Sense of a Data-Oriented Society 3
This course introduces students to the power of data as applied to real-life problems in today's data-driven world. Students will learn basic statistical concepts, how to identify reliable data, and to think critically about how to extract meaning from data. The course will discuss various biases, including social biases, how they affect data gathering and analysis, and how to address these biases. The course will also address ethical and moral issues associated with statistics, data collection and visualization, and data analysis. Students will learn how to present a narrative supported by data.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
 
Seminars (select courses from at least three of the four areas) Credits:
ICBS 3XX Behavioral Science choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
ICLT 3XX Literature choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
ICPH 3XX Philosophy choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
ICSS 3XX Social Science or Economics choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
    Total: 12 Credits
Students must take four seminar courses from at least three different areas of study.
 
Mathematics and Science Credits:
MATH 141 Precalculus 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 101 or Math Placement Exam.

A study of relations and functions; inequalities; complex numbers; quadratic equations; linear systems of equations; higher degree equations; trigonometric functions; identities; functions of composite angles; graphs of the trigonometric functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and binomial theorem. Note: A graphing calculator is used throughout the course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-4
BIOL 110 General Biology I 4
The similarity in living things is demonstrated by a molecular and cellular approach to biology. After introductory biochemistry, the cell as the basic unit of life is studied structurally and metabolically. Life functions are examined from a cellular and from a vertebrate-organismic viewpoint. The central theme is the flow of energy between the biosphere and the ecosphere. The scientific method and hypothesis-testing are stressed as a means of investigation and forming conclusions. Collaborative laboratory assignments will include microscopic studies of the cell, its functions, and the dissection of a fetal pig.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
    Total: 8 Credits
 

Major Requirements

Biology Credits:
BIOL 150 General Biology II 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 110

The variety of living things is demonstrated by a study of representative plants and animals, emphasizing the viewpoints of taxonomy, phylogeny, morphology, and physiology. The continuity of life is demonstrated through studies in reproduction, genetics, and organic evolution. Scientific inquiry and critical thinking strategies are emphasized. Collaborative laboratory assignments include the dissection and study of fixed and living specimens representing the whole range of life.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 210 Human Anatomy 4
A structural study of the human body. Topics include cells and tissue, skeleton, articulation, muscles, body systems, special organs, and surface anatomy.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 233 Genetics** 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: BIOL 150, CHEM 150

A study of the fundamental theories, methods, and application of genetics. Mendelian genetics, the foundation for the discipline, will be discussed as well as recent advances, including recombinant DNA research and cloning. Operational or modern genetics will be compared to traditional theories. Other topics will include: the operon, microbial genetics, the triplet code, complementation analysis, extra chromosomal inheritance, and population genetics.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 235 Microbiology 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 150 except BS Health & Wellness and BS Nursing

A first course in microbiology which treats the anatomy, physiology, and relationships of bacteria, fungi, viruses, Rickettsiae, and protozoa. Included are discussions of the role of microorganisms in the food industry, in the environment, and in health.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 310 Human Physiology 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 210 and one course in this group: CHEM 105 or CHEM 110. Life Sciences Osteopathy: One course in this group: CHEM 105 or CHEM 110.

An introductory course in the functions and mechanisms of the human body. Laboratory exercises include the detection and measurement of these functions using modern methods.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 325 Evolutionary Biology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 335 or BIOL 233

This course focuses on the history and theory of evolution as it relates to living things. Specific topics include the historical origins of Darwinism and the Modern Synthesis; mechanisms of natural and sexual selection; genetic drift; concepts of species and other biological populations; genomics applied to taxonomy and systematics; the evolution of complex ecosystems; developmental genetics and embryology as applied to phylogeny; overview of the history of life on earth in relation to geological and other environmental changes; and the consequences of human activities on the evolution of contemporary biological populations.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
BIOL 340 Biochemistry 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and CHEM 210. Life Sciences Osteopathy majors: Prerequisite BIOL 150 and co-requisite CHEM 210.

A practical introduction to the fundamentals of the structure and properties of the biomolecules in close context with their metabolism. Major emphasis is placed on the dynamic nature of biochemistry and the interrelationships of the various metabolic pathways that make up the totality of life. Work in the laboratory illustrates the more common biochemistry techniques and principles encountered in the lecture.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 395 Introduction to Research Literature 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Any 300 level BIOL or CHEM course

This course will provide you with an opportunity to explore scientific research and review articles in several areas of biomedical and chemical research and discuss: a) research design; b) experimental material and techniques; c) analysis, interpretation, presentation and critique of data/ results; d) statistical analyses; and e) improving your scientific writing and oral presentation skills. Classroom Hours- Laboratory and/or Studio Hours - Course Credits 3-0-3

BIOL 432 Cell Biology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 340

Biochemical and biophysical aspects of cellular structures and functions are covered.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 33 Credits
** BIOL 335 Genetics also counts towards this requirement.
 
Chemistry Credits:
CHEM 110 General Chemistry I 4
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: MATH 135 or TMAT 135, MATH 136 or TMAT 155, MATH 141, MATH 161, or MATH 170

An introduction to theoretical and inorganic chemistry. Studies include: types of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, chemical reactions, gas laws, and chemical calculations. Laboratory work illustrates common laboratory techniques as well as chemical principles.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 150 General Chemistry II 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CHEM 110

A continuation of CHEM 110. Topics to be covered include thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, ionic equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. Laboratory work illustrates the principles discussed in the lecture.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CHEM 150

This course includes the study of the stereochemistry and electronic structure of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, and the properties of their functional groups. Laboratory work consists of the determination of physical constants and the preparation of various organic compounds.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 250 Organic Chemistry II 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CHEM 210

A continuation of Organic Chemistry I. Studies include: the advanced theoretical treatment of reaction mechanisms, spectroscopic properties of organic compounds, and configurations of some important biological systems. Laboratory work consists of more advanced organic syntheses and qualitative organic analysis.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
    Total: 16 Credits
 
Mathematics Credits:
MATH 170 Calculus I 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 141 or Math Placement Exam.

Study of lines and circles. Functions, limits, derivatives of algebraic functions, introduction to derivatives of trigonometric functions. Application of derivatives to physics problems, related rates, maximum-minimum word problems and curve sketching. Introduction to indefinite integrals. The conic sections.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-4
BIOL 250 Biostatistics 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: BIOL 110, MATH 136 or greater

This course provides students with a foundation in statistics with special focus on biomedical applications such as epidemiology, combined with an introduction in R, a robust and widely used statistical package. Topics covered include: descriptive statistics, probabilities, frequency distributions, hypothesis testing, Fisher and Chi-square tests, Z-score, data normalization and T-test. Additionally, more elaborated strategies including Analysis of Variance, correlation, linear regression and Bayesian statistics will be introduced, as these methods are considered essential tools for biomedical sciences.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 7 Credits
 
Physics Credits:
PHYS 175 Pre-Med Physics I 5
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: MATH 170

A basic course in physics for the student in the Combined Baccalaureate/Osteopathic Physician Program. Covers vectors, forces and torques, dynamics, energy momentum, fluids, gasses, liquids, solids, heat and thermodynamics.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-2-5
PHYS 185 Pre-Med Physics II 5
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHYS 175

A continuation of PHYS 175. Includes waves, sound, light, optics, electricity, current, magnetism, instrumentation, atoms and nuclei.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-2-5
    Total: 10 Credits
 
Project Lab or Research (choose one) Credits:
BIOL/CHEM 48X Research Project Lab choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
BIOL 493 Independent Research III 3
An advanced biomedical project under the supervision of a faculty member. Classroom hours- Laboratory and/r studio course-Course Credit 3-0-3

BIOL 494 Independent Research IV 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 395 or BIOL 425

An advanced biomedical project under the supervision of a faculty member. Classroom hours- Laboratory and/r studio course-Course Credit 4-0-4

    Total: 3–4 Credits
 
Science Electives Credits:
Consult with advisor on any electives. 9
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
 
General Electives Credits:
Consult with advisor on any electives. 12
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
 
Total Required Credits = 122–123