Biology, Organismal Concentration

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The Organismal Concentration within the Biology major at Covenant College is designed for students interested in the structure, function, development, and diversity of whole organisms. This concentration is suited for those preparing for careers in veterinary medicine, zoology, botany, physiology, biomedical science, and related fields.

Students in this concentration will explore topics such as anatomy, physiology, and developmental biology, with an emphasis on how organisms grow, adapt, and function. Coursework integrates hands-on laboratory and field experiences, equipping students with the skills needed for research and professional applications.

This concentration provides excellent preparation for graduate programs in organismal and physiological sciences, and careers in biomedical fields, animal science, or natural resource management, and may be of interest to pre-veterinary students. With a strong foundational grounding and an emphasis on the complexity and design of living organisms, students in this concentration will be well-prepared to advance in their chosen fields while integrating their studies with a Christian perspective on life and creation.

The core and distribution requirements for a major in biology are those listed for baccalaureate degrees with the exception that CHE 121 General Chemistry I is fulfilling the natural science lab requirement, and is already required for the major.

Requirements for Major

Core Curriculum Requirements 53 hours
Electives 13 hours

Major and Supporting Course Requirements

These requirements may include enough units in chemistry for a chemistry minor. If an additional minor is desired, the total number of units taken may exceed the 126 needed for graduation.

BIO 111 General Biology I 4 hour(s).
BIO 112 General Biology II 4 hour(s).
BIO 242 Cellular and Molecular Biology 4 hour(s).
BIO 261 Ecology 4 hour(s).
or BIO 262 Environmental Science 3 hour(s).
BIO 291 Biological Perspectives 3 hour(s).
BIO 311 Practicum in Biology 0 to 3 hour(s).
BIO 335 Field Botany 4 hour(s).
or BIO 321 Comparative Animal Physiology 3 hour(s).
BIO 490 Biology Seminar 1 hour(s).
BIO 492 Capstone Project in Biology 2 hour(s).
BIO 493 Biology Capstone II 1 hour(s).
CHE 121 General Chemistry I 3 hour(s).
CHE 121L General Chemistry I Laboratory 1 hour(s).
CHE 122 General Chemistry II 3 hour(s).
CHE 122L General Chemistry II Laboratory 1 hour(s).
MAT 142 Precalculus 4 hour(s).
or STA 252 Elementary Statistics: Concepts and Methods 3 hour(s).
If students place out of MAT 142, they must take STA 252.

Biology Elective Courses

A minimum of 12 hours required from the following, with a minimum of 7 hours taken on campus.

BIO 219 Nutrition 3 hour(s).
BIO 222 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 hour(s).
BIO 223 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 hour(s).
BIO 264 Conservation Biology 3 hour(s).
BIO 313 Genetics 4 hour(s).
BIO 321 Comparative Animal Physiology 3 hour(s).
BIO 323 Developmental Biology 4 hour(s).
BIO 336 Aquatic Biology 4 hour(s).
BIO 340 Microbiology 4 hour(s).
BIO 345 Immunology 3 hour(s).
BIO 346 Cancer Biology 3 hour(s).
BIO 347 Ecology of Infectious Diseases 3 hour(s).
BIO 391 Research in Biology 3 hour(s).
Au Sable courses:
- 318 Marine Biology 4 hour(s)
- 342 Fish Ecology & Management 4 hour(s)
- 359 Marine Mammals 4 hour(s)
- 365 Insect Ecology 4 hour(s)

Related Discipline Courses

A minimum of 8 hours required from the following:

CHE 323 Organic Chemistry I 4 hour(s).
CHE 324 Organic Chemistry II 4 hour(s).
PHY 131 General College Physics I 4 hour(s).
PHY 132 General College Physics II 4 hour(s).
MAT 145 Calculus I 4 hour(s).
STA 252 Elementary Statistics: Concepts and Methods 3 hour(s).
PSY 372 Sensation and Perception 3 hour(s).
PSY 373 Physiological Psychology 4 hour(s).

Biology, Organismal Concentration

Requirements for Major

Major and Supporting Course Requirements

Biology Elective Courses

Related Discipline Courses

Total hours for the major: 60

Total degree hours: 126