Undergraduate Catalog: Science

Goals | General Requirements | Degree Requirements | Program Requirements | Transfer of Credits | Biology | Pre-Chiropractic | Environmental Science | Medical Technology/Clinical Laborartory Science | Teacher Education | Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

Deborah Hokien, Ph.D., chairperson
Lisa Antoniacci, Ph.D.
Christopher Brey, Ph.D.
Jay P. Clymer III, Ph.D., C.M.F.C.
Michael Kiel, Ph.D.
Thomas Nathaniel, Ph.D.
Brian J. Piatak, D.C.
Monica Pierri­Galvao, Ph.D.
*Jamie Mason Clark, Ed.D.
*Amie Dingee, M.S.
*Ann Marie Emmel, M.S.
*Joseph T. King. M.D.
*Jason Koval, M.S.
*Steven Reggie, D.C.
*Joseph Snedeker, M.Ed.
*Brian Spezialetti, M.S., M.T. (A.S.C.P.)
*Krista Wargo, M.S.

*Part-time

Goals

The mission of the Science Department is to produce open-minded persons with specific knowledge and technical skills that relate to the natural world, and to provide an in-depth understanding of scientific advances that currently affect society. Science and non-science students are provided scientific literacy, and are encouraged to utilize their scientific education in a globally responsible manner.

General Requirements — All Students

All students are required to take one three-­credit course in Science to fulfill the liberal arts core requirement. Some science courses do require one credit of laboratory for a total of four science credits. The one credit laboratory is a direct accompaniment to a science course and is taken concurrently with the lecture component.

These courses are designed to develop scientific literacy by enabling the student to: (a) comprehend basic science concepts, theories, and principles; (b) recognize the burgeoning science and technology in today’s society; (c) apply reasoning and quantitative skills to scientific and technological issues; (d) be acquainted with the philosophical implications of science as a process; and (e) support a chosen viewpoint as a responsible, scientifically, and technologically informed citizen.

Science Courses that Fulfill Core Requirements for Non-Science Students

Note that any Science course offered to non-Science majors can fulfill the core requirement. However, individual departments may have a specific science course core requirements (e.g. nursing students must take BIOL 114+L Microbiology for the Health Professional, not listed below).

BIOL 105	DNA Forensics	3
BIOL 107	Sexually Transmitted Diseases	3
BIOL 110, 110L	Principles of Biology	4
BIOL 130, 130L	Principles of Anatomy and Physiology	4
CHEM 100	Basic Chemistry	3
CHEM 105	Chemistry for the Artist	3
CHEM 121, 121L	Principles of Chemistry	4
ENVS 109	Technology, Environment and Society	3
ENVS 210	Water: The Essential Ingredient	3
ENVS 212, 212L	Introduction to Meteorology	4
ENVS 215, 216	Resource Conservation I, II	3, 3
ENVS 261	Earth Science I — Geology	3
ENVS 262	Earth Science II — Oceanography, Meteorology	3
PHYS 112, 112L	Introduction to Astronomy	4
PHYS 210	Physical Science	3

Statute of Limitations Regarding Science Credits

The Science Department will not accept science credits that are more than seven years old for all major, minor, or liberal arts program requirements, without permission of the department chair.

Degree Requirements

	Major	Core	Electives	To Graduate
Biology	74	43/46	6	126
Biotechnology	72	43/46	8	126
Environmental Science	72	43/46	8	126
Pre-PA (B.S. Biology)**	74	43/46	6	126
Pre-Chiropractic	51 + 22*	43/46	7	126
Medical Laboratory Science	47 + 30***	43/46	3	126
Secondary Ed (Biology)	55 + 34	37/40	0	126-129
Secondary Ed (General Science)	55 + 34	37/40	0	126-129

*22 credits from NYCC
**Degree awarded to students not accepted in the MS PA Program
***30 credits from RPH

Program Requirements — Majors and Minors

Major Programs

Science majors must maintain a minimum QPA of 2.33 in major courses and at least 2.00 in core courses. University policy states that to receive a degree one must attain a QPA of 2.33 in the major. Science students whose major QPA is less than 2.33 after completing four science major courses (16 credits) may not be permitted to register for upper level science courses until the minimum QPA of 2.33 is attained. Repeating a course to receive a better grade will help with this goal.

In addition, students who do not receive a satisfactory grade in an upper level major course or who drop a course may repeat one course, one time, space permitting. All lecture and laboratory course components for science majors must be taken concurrently (e.g. must take BIOL 150 and BIOL 150L at same time). In rare instances, with sufficient reason and permission of the department chairperson, special arrangements may be made to register for only one component of the course.

Minor Programs

Students who minor in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Science must maintain a minimum QPA of 2.33 in minor courses. All lecture and laboratory courses must be taken concurrently.

The following minors are offered:

1. Chemistry/B.S. Biology, B.S. Biotechnology, B.S. Environmental Science
2. Environmental Science/B.S. Biology
3. Biology/Majors other than Science
4. Science/Nutrition and Dietetics

Science Department Credit Transfer Policy

A maximum of sixteen science transfer credits will be accepted by the Science Department, with more credits accepted at the discretion of the department chair, as applicable toward any of the major science degree programs. Students from other colleges and/or universities who wish to transfer into the Science Department must have earned a minimum grade of C+ in each science course. Undeclared and/or students from other majors at Marywood must have earned a minimum QPA of 2.50 to transfer into the Science Department. Once a transfer student is accepted into the Science Department, all future science courses must be taken at Marywood. Only in rare circumstances, for sufficient reason and with special permission from the chairperson, may a science course be taken off campus.

A maximum of eight science transfer credits will be accepted by the Science Department as applicable toward any of the minor programs. The student must have earned a minimum grade of C+ in each science course accepted as transfer credits.

B.S. Biology

The Biology Program at Marywood University is designed to: (a) offer a broad base knowledge of living forms and of modern advances in the biological sciences; (b) develop a sense of organization and continuity in nature; (c) foster an awareness of the individual’s responsibilities to the world and environment, and (d) prepare the student for professional, educational, high-technology, and industrial careers.

Our program offers sufficient flexibility to prepare students for future studies in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology research, environmental science, grad­uate school, education, and to enter the ancillary fields of the health professions, such as medical, dental, or veterinary school.

The student’s choice of elective courses in science for a graduate or professional program is based on the requirements and recommended courses of the college or university. Advisors from the Science Department will assist in these choices.

A minimum of 44 credits and 30 science elective credits for a total of 74 science credits is required for degree completion. The required courses are:

BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
BIOL 410	Science Literacy Capstone	2
BIOL 446, 446L	Genetics	4
OR
BIOL 440, 440L	Molecular and Cellular Biology	4
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
PHYS 213, 213L	General Physics I	4
PHYS 214, 214L	General Physics II	4
MATH 216	Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences	3

Elect One:

MATH 201**	Calculus with Analytical Geometry I	3
MATH 170	Mathematical Applications in Biology	3

Plus a minimum of 30 credits selected from:

BIOL 201, 201L	Human Gross Anatomy	4
BIOL 202, 202L	Human Physiology	4
BIOL 235, 235L	General Microbiology	4
BIOL 281	Introduction to Biotechnology	3
BIOL 305	Fundamentals of Neuroscience	3
BIOL 332, 332L	Immunology	4
BIOL 351	Evolution	3
BIOL 421, 421L	Biochemistry	4
BIOL 454	Undergraduate Research	2
BIOL 498	Internship	3
BIOL 499	Independent Study	1,2,3
CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
CHEM 499	Independent Study	1,2,3
ENVS 420, 420L	Ecology	4
MATH 202**	Calculus with Analytical Geometry II	3

**MATH 201/202 is recommended for pre­-professional and graduate schools.

Other science elective courses can be taken with permission of the department chairperson.

Minor in Chemistry/B.S. Biology Program

A minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of 18 credits selected from:

BIOL 421, 421L	Biochemistry	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
CHEM 499	Independent Study	1, 2, or 3

Minor in Environmental Science/B.S. Biology Program

A minor in Environmental Science requires a minimum of 18 credits selected from:

CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
ENVS 212, 212L	Introduction to Meteorology	4
ENVS 215	Resource Conservation I	3
ENVS 216	Resource Conservation II	3
ENVS 261	Earth Science I Geology	3
ENVS 262	Earth Science II Oceanography, Meteorology	3
ENVS 340	Environmental Law	3
ENVS 345	Environmental Management and Policy	3
ENVS 420, 420L	Ecology	4
PHIL 328	Environmental Ethics	3

Minor in Biology/Majors other than Science

Students in majors other than Science may elect a minor in Biology. A minimum of 18 credits is required. Required courses are:

BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4

Elect One:

BIOL 121, 121L	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIOL 122, 122L	Anatomy and Physiology II	4

Plus two additional 200+ level Biology courses selected after consultation with the department chairperson.

Minor in Science/Nutrition and Dietetics Majors

A minimum of 18 credits is required. Required courses include:

BIOL 121 & 122	Anatomy and Physiology I & II	6
BIOL 233, 233L	Molecular Microbiology	3
CHEM 210	Organic Chemistry	3
CHEM 310	Introduction to Biochemistry	3

The Nutrition and Dietetics student must also take 1 additional Science three credit course offered for science majors.

B.S Biotechnology

The B.S. Biotechnology program aims to prepare students for a career in the broad field of biotechnology. As biotech encompasses molecular research, genomics, DNA forensics, bioinformatics (biocomputing), chemistry, and environmental bioremediation, as well as administration, management, patent law, and other “business” areas, graduates will be positioned to compete for a wide range of positions. Moreover, graduates will receive the foundation for application to and success in graduate, professional (e.g. Medical, Veterinary), law, or business schools.

The specific goals of the program are to prepare students with professional training and technical skills, in addition to providing students with the ability to criti­cally evaluate biotechnology advances and applications in the healthcare field, phar­maceutical industry, and environment. We now live in a molecular society, in the post­-genomic era, with scientific breakthroughs that affect us all. B.S. Biotech grad­uates will make a difference in how society will use these innovative and scientific advances.

For the first two years of study, the B.S. Biotechnology course curriculum paral­lels that of other Science Department programs. This sequence is designed to provide the fundamental technical and intellectual expertise. The major will provide special­ized Biotech program courses during the third and fourth years that include a Senior Research Project. A minimum of 54 credits and 18 science elective credits for a total of 72 science credits is required for degree completion.

The required courses are:

BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
BIOL 235, 235L	General Microbiology	4
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
BIOL 410	Science Literacy Capstone	2
BIOL 446, 446L	Genetics	4
OR
BIOL 440, 440L	Molecular and Cellular Biology	4
MATH 216	Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences	3
MATH 201**	Calculus with Analytical Geometry I	3
OR
MATH 170	Mathematical Applications in Biology	3
PHIL 404	Biomedical Ethics (recommended)	3
BIOL 281	Introduction to Biotechnology	3
BIOL 383	Emerging Medicines and Technologies	3
BIOL 302	Bioinformatics	3
BIOL 401	Cell Culture	3
BIOL 455	Senior Biotech Research Project	2

Electives (plus a minimum of 18 credits selected from):

ENVS 420, 420L	Ecology	4
CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
BIOL 305	Fundamentals of Neuroscience	3
BIOL 498	Internship	3
BIOL 421, 421L	Biochemistry	4
BIOL 332, 332L	Immunology	4
BIOL 201, 201L	Human Gross Anatomy	4
BIOL 202, 202L	Human Physiology	4
PHYS 213, 213L	General Physics I	4
PHYS 214, 214L	General Physics II	4
MATH 202**	Calculus with Analytical Geometry II	3

**MATH 201/202 is recommended for pre-­professional and graduate schools.

Other Science elective courses can be taken with the permission of the department chairperson.

Minor in Chemistry/B.S. Biotechnology

A minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of 18 credits selected from:

BIOL 421, 421L	Biochemistry	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
CHEM 499	Independent Study	1, 2, or 3

B.S. Biology Pre-Chiropractic Program

The accelerated Pre-chiropractic Program is designed to allow students to begin the study of chiropractic medicine at New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) during their senior year. Students study at Marywood University for three years, matriculating for 104 credits in basic science and liberal arts requirements. The fourth year is spent at NYCC. A student will have preferred admission to NYCC if a minimum QPA of 3.25 is maintained for the three years of study at Marywood. An overall QPA of 2.50 or higher is required, with a grade of C or better in science courses, as is completion of a minimum of 90 credits, for NYCC entry. A student who successfully completes all course work in the first two trimesters at NYCC, who is registered for DEAN 050 (through Marywood) during the spring semester of their first year at NYCC—and whose transcripts have been submitted to the Registrar’s office by February of that year, will be granted a bachelor of science degree in biology from Marywood. Marywood University will accept a selected 22 credits from NYCC, provided a minimum average QPA of 2.50 has been maintained in those selected courses. The student would then continue study at NYCC for two years and four months. Successful completion leads to a doctor of chiropractic degree.

The following Science courses (51 credits) are required at Marywood:

BIOL 201, 201L	Human Gross Anatomy	4
BIOL 202, 202L	Human Physiology	4
BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
BIOL 235, 235L	General Microbiology	4
BIOL 446, 446L	Genetics	4
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
PHYS 213, 213L	General Physics I	4
PHYS 214, 214L	General Physics II	4

Elect One:

MATH 201	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	3
MATH 216	Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences	3

Normally the following courses or their equivalents will be accepted from New York Chiropractic College based on discretion of Marywood Science Department chairperson (22 credits available).

ANO 6102	Cell and Tissue Biology	5
ANA 6104	Neuroscience I	5
ANA 6205	Neuroscience II	5
BCH 6203	Biochemistry of Nutrition/Metabolism	2
BCH 6101	Principles of Biochemistry	3
AST 6304	Basic Human Nutrition I	2

B.S. Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Program is designed for the student who is interested in a career as a professional environmental scientist, professor, teacher, research specialist, ecologist, or science executive.

The curriculum provides the necessary background and experience to pursue graduate work and advanced degrees required by certain career tracks. It involves the study of biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, mathematics, and physics.

For degree completion, 72 Science credits are required. The following courses are required.

BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
BIOL 235, 235L	General Microbiology	4
BIOL 351	Evolution	3
BIOL 410	Science Literacy Capstone	2
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
PHYS 213, 213L	General Physics I	4
PHYS 214, 214L	General Physics II	4
ENVS 420, 420L	Ecology	4
MATH 216	Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences	3

Plus 18 credits selected from:

ECON 312	Principles of Economics I	3
ENVS 212, 212L	Introduction to Meteorology	4
ENVS 215	Resource Conservation I	3
ENVS 216	Resource Conservation II	3
ENVS 261	Earth Science I Geology	3
ENVS 262	Earth Science II Oceanography, Meteorology	3
ENVS 340	Environmental Law	3
PHIL 328	Environmental Ethics	3

Additional Electives

BIOL 446, 446L	Genetics	4
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
ENVS 300	ENVS Specialty Course	3-4
ENVS 345	Environmental Management and Policy	3
ENVS 454	Undergraduate Research	3
ENVS 498	Internship	3
ENVS 499	Independent Study	1, 2, or 3
MATH 201	Calculus with Analytical Geometry I	3

Minor in Chemistry/B.S. Environmental Science Program

A minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of 18 credits selected from:

BIOL 421, 421L	Biochemistry	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
CHEM 499	Independent Study	1, 2, or 3

B.S. Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science (MT/CLS)

The course of study in Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science (MT/CLS) follows a dual track program:

1. Students may spend three years at Marywood University fulfilling the university requirements and those of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). In this program, the students spend the fourth year at an accredited school of MT/CLS, gaining theoretical and practical experience in the field of MT/CLS. During this internship, students earn a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 33 credits (depending on course offerings at the accrediting school).
2. Students who complete a baccalaureate program in biology and who have the appropriate prerequisites may also apply to any accredited schools of medical technology.

Marywood maintains an affiliation with the school of MT/CLS at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pennsylvania. Affiliation with this school does not guarantee the student’s acceptance into a professional practicum program.

The minimum requirements, as determined by most clinical programs are: 16 semester hours of chemistry (8 credit hours in Organic Chemistry and/or Biochemistry), 16 semester hours of biology (including microbiology and immunology) and 3 credits of college-level mathematics. A minimum of 90 semester hours of credit is required before entrance into the school of MT/CLS. Most MT/CLS schools require a minimum QPA of 2.50.

Courses in the professional curriculum provide both theoretical and practical experience in the field of MT/CLS. A typical curriculum includes the courses listed in the Science Department course section. The MT/CLS internship counts for a minimum of 30 credits.

Marywood Medical Technology majors must fill out a leave of absence form prior to the start of their internship experience. Also, Marywood Medical Technology majors can receive their B.S. degrees on the University graduation date that follows the successful completion of their internship program. Alternatively, students are invited to commencement ceremonies in May of their graduation date, if they fill out all necessary graduation participation eligibility forms available in the Registrar’s Office. In this scenario, their degrees and transcripts will be granted following completion of the remaining 9 credit summer clinical internship. All students who earn a B.S. degree will receive their certification at the conclusion of their internships.

Medical Technology students must complete all of Marywood’s academic requirements before starting the internship program, including 47 Science credits. Total number of Science and Internship credits for degree completion is 77.

The following courses are required for all MT/CLS majors:

BIOL 121, 121L	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIOL 122, 122L	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
BIOL 235, 235L	General Microbiology	4
BIOL 332, 332L	Immunology	4
BIOL 446, 446L	Genetics	4
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
MATH 216	Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences	3

Additional Electives:

BIOL 421, 421L	Biochemistry	4
BIOL 440, 440L	Molecular and Cellular Biology	4
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
PHYS 213, 213L	General Physics I	4
PHYS 214, 214L	General Physics II	4

And other courses, with permission of department chairperson.

Teacher Education Certification Programs in Biology and General Science

Teacher Education Programs in Science are designed to prepare biology or general science teachers (grades 7-12). The programs are accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Candidates seeking license to teach biology or general science, grades 7-12, enroll as biology or general science majors and education minors.

B.S. Biology/Secondary Education

A total of 58 Science credits is required to complete the degree, in addition to Education Department credits and Liberal Arts credit requirements. The following courses are required for all Biology Education majors.

BIOL 122, 122L	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
BIOL 235, 235L	General Microbiology	4
BIOL 351	Evolution	3
BIOL 410	Science Literacy Capstone	2
BIOL 411B	Curriculum Methods and Materials	4
BIOL 440, 440L	Molecular and Cellular Biology	4
OR
BIOL 446, 446L	Genetics	4
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
ENVS 420, 420L	Ecology	4
PHYS 213, 213L	General Physics I	4
MATH 216	Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences	3

Elect One:

MATH 201	Calculus with Analytical Geometry I	3
MATH 170	Mathematical Applications in Biology	3

Elect One:

BIOL 105	DNA Forensics	3
BIOL 421, 421L	Biochemistry	4
CHEM 312	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 398, 398L	Chemical Analysis	3
ENVS 212	Introduction to Meteorology	3
ENVS 215	Resource Conservation I	3
ENVS 216	Resource Conservation II	3
ENVS 261	Earth Science I Geology	3
ENVS 262	Earth Science II Oceanography, Meteorology	3

In addition, students must fulfill the requirements of the Department of Education (total of 27 Education credits).

The curriculum requirements discussed in this section are subject to change, based on guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

B.S. General Science/Secondary Education

A total of 58 Science credits are required to complete the degree, in addition to Education Department credits and liberal arts credit requirements. The following courses are required.

BIOL 121, 121L	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIOL 122, 122L	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
BIOL 351	Evolution	3
BIOL 410	Science Literacy Capstone	2
BIOL 411B	Curriculum Methods and Materials	4
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
ENVS 420, 420L	Ecology	4
PHYS 213, 213L	General Physics I	4
PHYS 214, 214L	General Physics II	4
MATH 216	Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences	3

In addition, students must fulfill the requirements of the Department of Education (total of 34 Education credits). The curriculum requirements discussed in this section are subject to change, based on guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Professional Education Requirements for Teacher Education Programs in Biology or General Science

EDUC 001-003	Field Experience	0
EDUC 005D	Practicum IV Secondary/K-12	1
EDUC 100, 101	Introduction to Education	.5, .5
S ED 100	Characteristics of Students with Disabilities	3
PSY 252	Adolescent Psychology	3
EDUC 311*	Educational Psychology	3
S ED 367*	Behavioral Management recommended	3
EDUC 411A*	Effective Instruction in Secondary and K-12 Education	3
EDUC 414*	Social Foundations of Education	3
EDUC 442/SED300	Student Teaching/CurriculumAdaptations	9, 3
EDUC 561*	Methods, Materials, and Assessment ELL	3

*require upper level screening

Additional critical information is contained in the Education section of the catalog.

The curriculum requirements discussed in this section are subject to change, based on guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Pre-Physician Assistant Studies (B.S. Biology)

The Pre-­professional phase of the Physician Assistant (PA) Program is completed in the Science Department. Students with no previous college-­level study begin a program of liberal arts core requirements and science courses to prepare for admittance to the professional phase of the PA program, which grants a Master’s Degree in PA (see the Marywood University graduate catalogue PA program section for more details).

Students with some previous college experience may apply to the Pre-Professional Program. Admitted students will then complete all liberal arts core requirements and prerequisite sciences. (For information about the opportunity to receive advanced placement based upon proven competence in specific subject areas, see “Additional Ways of Earning University Credit” in the “Degree Information” section of this catalog.) Such transfer students must have a 2.50 QPA minimum and must have earned a C+ or better in science classes transferred however, a minimum grade of B in General Chemistry, General Biology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology courses is required for admission to the PA professional phase.

For acceptance into the Pre-Physician Assistant Program, students must have a minimum of a 1450 combined on all three sections of the SAT, with a minimum of 500 in the Math section. For students with ACT scores, a minimum of 21 is required. Students who do not meet the above criteria may be accepted into the Science Department as “Undeclared with an interest in Pre-Physician Assistant” studies.

First Year – Fall

BIOL 150, 150L	General Biology I	4
CHEM 131, 131L	General Chemistry I	4
ENGL 160	Writing Skills	3
UNIV 100	Living Responsibly in an Interdependent World	1
MATH 170	Mathematical Applications in Biology	3
OR
MATH 201	Calculus with Analytical Geometry I	3

Total: 15 credit hours

First Year – Spring

BIOL 151, 151L	General Biology II	4
CHEM 132, 132L	General Chemistry II	4
ENGL 180	Introduction to World Literature	3
MATH 216	Statistics for Behavioral and Social Sciences	3

Total: 14 credit hours

Second Year – Fall

CHEM 331, 331L	Organic Chemistry I	4
BIOL 235, 235L	General Microbiology	4
ENGL 300+	English Elective	3
HIST XXX	History Elective	3

Total: 14 credit hours

Second Year – Spring

CHEM 332, 332L	Organic Chemistry II	4
BIOL 332, 332L	Immunology	4
PHIL 113	Intro. to Philosophy	3
R ST 112	Modern Belief	3
PSY 211	General Psychology	3

Total: 17 credit hours

Following the completion of the second year, students are advised to determine if they are eligible academically for the PA professional phase and B.S. Pre-­PA Studies degree. Specifically, after year two of the Pre-­PA phase, students receive advisement for the academic track selection to either: (1) Continue in the five­year PA master’s track, which includes the B.S. Pre­-PA Studies degree, or (2) Earn a B.S. Biology degree.

Students continuing on in the M.S. in PA are on track for a B.S. Pre­-PA Studies degree, which is earned following two additional years of study. The third year consists largely of prerequisite science courses, and the curriculum is listed as follows. The final year of the B.S. Pre­-PA Studies curriculum (PA didactic in year four) is described in the PA section of the graduate catalogue.

Third Year – Fall

BIOL 201, 201L	Human Gross Anatomy	4
LANG XXX	Foreign Language	3
R ST 435	Death/Afterlife	3
OR
R ST XXX	Upperlevel R ST elective	3
ND 112	Nutrition I	3
HIST XXX	History Elective	3

Total: 16 credit hours

Third Year – Spring

BIOL 202, 202L	Human Physiology	4
F A XXX	Fine Arts	3
LANG XXX	Foreign Language II	3
PHIL 404	Biomedical Ethics	3
OR
PHIL XXX	Upper Level Philosophy	3
COMM 101	Dynamics of Speech	2

Total: 15 credit hours

Pre-Professional Program Requirements

Students in the pre-professional phase are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.00, as well as a 3.00 (B) in each prerequisite Science course or lab (see courses above), to be considered eligible for admission to the professional phase.

Professional Program Phase

Students who have successfully met all required liberal arts core requirements and science prerequisites may apply for admission to the professional program, following their second year as Pre­-PA. These students are guaranteed an interview with the PA interview committee. Those students who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree at Marywood or another accredited institution are not required to complete the liberal arts core requirements (see Degree Information in this catalog), but must have the prerequisite science courses to be considered for admis­sion to the professional program. For complete information on M.S. in PA degree, see the Physician Assistant section of the graduate catalog.

Science Courses