Biology, Cellular and Molecular Concentration

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The Cellular and Molecular Concentration within the Biology major at Covenant College is designed for students seeking a deep understanding of biological processes that occur within cells. Students in this concentration will engage in rigorous coursework that explores the intricate mechanisms governing cells, genes, and biochemical pathways.

Emphasizing hands-on laboratory experience, this concentration provides strong preparation for graduate research programs (M.S. or Ph.D.) in the biological or biomedical sciences and equips students with the foundational knowledge required for admission into medical, dental, podiatry, or optometry school. A minimum combined SAT score of 1270 or a composite ACT score of 27 is strongly recommended for students pursuing this concentration due to its challenging coursework and emphasis on critical thinking and quantitative analysis.

This program invites students to explore the complexity and beauty of life at the smallest scales through a Christian lens, recognizing God’s sustaining power and purposeful design in the molecular foundations of living systems.

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 15 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 313 Genetics 4 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).
CHE 323 Organic Chemistry I 4 hour(s).
CHE 324 Organic Chemistry II 4 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 7 hours required from the following:

BIO 323 Developmental 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).

Related Discipline Courses

A minimum of 4 hours required from the following:

CHE 423 Biochemistry I 4 hour(s).
MAT 145 Calculus I 4 hour(s).
PHY 131 General College Physics I 4 hour(s).
PHY 132 General College Physics II 4 hour(s).
PSY 373 Physiological Psychology 4 hour(s).

Biology, Cellular and Molecular Concentration

Requirements for Major

Major and Supporting Course Requirements

Biology Elective Courses

Related Discipline Courses

Total hours for the major: 58-59

Total degree hours: 126