Bachelor in Biology North Central College

Why pursue a biology degree at North Central College?

You’ll delve into scientific research from day one as a bachelor of science biology major at North Central. Our research-rich general biology curriculum and opportunities for collaboration with faculty members on real-world research projects will help you develop the skills of a scientist. You can present your findings at North Central’s own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research and summer colloquium or at a national conference. When studying for a bachelor’s degree in biology at North Central College, our trained staff members will even help you publish your work. You’ll gain broad experience with everything from molecules and cells to organisms and ecological systems and prepare yourself for a career in research, medicine, education, environment, or biotechnology.

You can also:

• Apply for our funded summer research program.
• Attend on-campus seminar presentations by students, alumni, and professionals in your field.
• Perform field work in Costa Rica, Arizona, or other locations.
• Work with a dedicated pre-health advisor and the Pre-Health Organization for students.
• Join the Beta Beta Beta biological honor society.
• Minor in environmental studies, neuroscience or bioinformatics.
• Study at the Shedd Aquarium or Morton Arboretum.
• Be a student lab assistant.

Biology, Biological Sciences Track, BSc

The B.S. degree in Biology provides a comprehensive foundation for students with interests in any area of the biological sciences, including key support courses from chemistry, physics and mathematics. This degree is appropriate for students planning for careers at the bachelor's level as well as those preparing for graduate or professional study after graduation. All B.S. students complete a common core, then select upper-division courses that match their specific interests and career plans. Research experience is built into the program for all students, as is the development of skills in scientific writing and presentation.

Students can choose from two tracks (and can switch between the tracks if their interests change). The Biological Science track is appropriate for those preparing for research careers, graduate school or employment in any area of biology, while the Biomedical Science track is appropriate for students preparing for medical, dental or veterinary programs after graduation. Students preparing for secondary education, for careers that combine biology with another area, or for the allied health fields may wish to consider a B.A. program.

Major Requirements

Core Courses

• BIOL 195 - Investigating Biology
• BIOL 210 - Cells and Systems
• BIOL 220 - Ecology and Evolution
• BIOL 230 - Genes and Genomics
• BIOL 240 - Biostatistics

Capstone

One of the following:

• BIOL 410 - Animal Behavior
• BIOL 450 - Environmental Ecology Through Models and Experiments
• BCHM 465 - Advances in Biomedical Research

Research Experience

Students must complete a research experience which is presented in BIOL 490 - Seminar; students take the zero-credit BIOL 290 - Seminar twice as participants before presenting. The research experience could be any of the following:

• Complete a capstone research course (BIOL 410, BIOL 450, or BCHM 465)
• Complete an on- or off-campus summer research program
• Complete an independent research project with a faculty member
• Complete a research-based internship or other project approved by the department chair

Biological Science Track Courses

Advanced Electives

Three of the following:

• BIOL 310 - Biology of Animals
• BIOL 315 - Animal Physiology
• BIOL 320 - Plant Growth and Function
• BIOL 325 - Plant Interactions in a Changing World
• BIOL 330 - Evolution
• BIOL 340 - Infectious Disease
• BIOL 350 - Conservation Ecology
• BIOL 360 - Molecular Biology of Cancer
• BIOL 370 - Mechanisms of Development
• BCHM 365 - Principles of Biochemistry
• NEUR 310 - Advanced Molecular Neuroscience

Required Support Courses

• CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
• CHEM 251 - Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 252 - Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM 310 - Chemical Analysis

Additional Requirements for the BSc Degree

• MATH 151 - Calculus I
• MATH 152 - Calculus II

Physics Sequence

One of the following sequences:

Non-Calculus

• PHYS 131 - Physics I (Non-Calculus)
• PHYS 132 - Physics II (Non-Calculus)

Calculus-Based

• PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
• PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves, and Optics

Biology, Biology Professions Track, BA

The B.A. degree in Biology provides the same comprehensive core, research experience, and capstone as the B.S. degree, but its two tracks are tailored to be compatible with a second major (Biology Professions track) or with the requirements of professional schools in such allied health areas as nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, pharmacy, or optometry (Health Professions track). Students choosing the Biology Professions track need an additional major in a complimentary area such as environmental studies, neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, business, etc. Students seeking a degree in Secondary Education can complete a second major in Biology by choosing this track. Students planning to continue to graduate programs in the biological sciences or medical, dental, or veterinary programs should consider a B.S. degree in Biology instead.

Biology, Biomedical Science Track, BSc

The B.S. degree in Biology provides a comprehensive foundation for students with interests in any area of the biological sciences, including key support courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This degree is appropriate for students planning for careers at the bachelor's level as well as those preparing for graduate or professional study after graduation. All B.S. students complete a common core, then select upper-division courses that match their specific interests and career plans. Research experience is built into the program for all students, as is the development of skills in scientific writing and presentation.

Students can choose from two tracks (and can switch between the tracks if their interests change). The Biological Science track is appropriate for those preparing for research careers, graduate school, or employment in any area of biology, while the Biomedical Science track is appropriate for students preparing for medical, dental, or veterinary programs after graduation. Students preparing for secondary education, for careers that combine biology with another area, or for the allied health fields may wish to consider a B.A. program.

Biology, Health Professions Track, BA

The B.A. degree in Biology provides the same comprehensive core, research experience, and capstone as the B.S. degree, but its two tracks are tailored to be compatible with a second major (Biology Professions track) or with the requirements of professional schools in such allied health areas as nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, pharmacy, or optometry (Health Professions track). Students choosing the Biology Professions track need an additional major in a complimentary area such as environmental studies, neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, business, etc. Students seeking a degree in Secondary Education can complete a second major in Biology by choosing this track. Students planning to continue to graduate programs in the biological sciences or medical, dental, or veterinary programs should consider a B.S. degree in Biology instead.

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Recent graduates in biology include people working at:

• Edward Hospital
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Loyola University Medical Center
• Oswego East High School, Oswego, Ill.
• PharmaPro, Inc.
• Shedd Aquarium
• Morton Arboretum
• Therapeutic Proteins International
• Teach For America
• Prairie Analytical Systems
• University of California-San Francisco
• Midewin Tallgrass Prairie
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• US Forest Service