Biology, B.S.

About the Degree

A Bachelors degree in Biology prepares students in the major areas of the life sciences as well as in the cognate areas of Chemistry, Mathematics, and/or Physics.

Faculty advisers work closely with each student to plan a series of required and elective courses based on individual interests and career goals.

A core of basic science courses includes general biology, evolution and population biology, reading and writing in biology, comparative anatomy and physiology, genetics. A range of electives covers animal behavior, aquatic biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, cell biology, conservation biology, developmental biology, histology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, pathophysiology and more..

Laboratory sections generally have smaller enrollments than lecture and thus are especially good for interaction with faculty and other students and for integrative, collaborative and inquiry-based learning.

It is the policy of the Biology Department that General Biology I and II must be taken in the Biology Department at Arcadia or transferred in from an accredited four- or two-year college. Credits earned through an Advanced Placement Exam or International Baccalaureate do not substitute for General Biology I or II.  Students enrolled in the biology major at Arcadia are expected to take their biology courses at Arcadia or at an approved study abroad site.

Part of promoting excellent biology teaching is instruction that develops and fosters an understanding of biological concepts. The biology major at Arcadia University requires the examination and dissection of animal tissues, organs, and bodies and the use of animals in biological research.  Animal use is a cornerstone of biology instruction. We follow all federal and state statutes in labs to fulfill clearly-defined educational objectives. Ethical treatment of animals used in teaching and research is ensured by oversight by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Study of Biology can be combined with another field, such as Business, Chemistry, or Psychology.

The Bachelors degree in Biology has the greatest degree of overlap with the Pre-Physical Therapy program requirements and the Pre-Physician Assistant program requirements of any major in the University (See assured ad requirements for these programs). 

1. Submit the application.  Common Application  OR Coalition for College Application
2. Transcripts. Official High School Transcripts (in English). Original or certified true copy of the secondary school record with a literal translation in English performed by a licensed translator and signed in ink. The academic report should include a list of subjects studied, a qualitative rating on a course-by-course basis and an overall rating. 
    
3. Test Scores. International students must submit either SAT/ACT or Proof of English language proficiency meeting the following requirements.

Enrollment Management reserves the right to request proof of English Language proficiency of any student applying to the University.

For F-1 High School Students in the U.S.:

• SAT/ACT scores are optional.

International students may also be required to submit, when applicable:

• Official Secondary school leaving certificate or diploma
• Official Comprehensive national examinations (such as GCE, SSSCE and CXC exams)