Biology (BL)

Professors: C. H. Wideman, J. L. Lissemore, C. A. Sheil (Chair), M. P. Martin (Associate Dean Science Health Math), R. E. Drenovsky (Dean of Graduate Studies), E. E. Johnson; Associate Professors: R. A. Saporito, J. I. Watling, P. J. Vanderzalm

Major Programs

Biology encompasses the study of all organisms, and our curriculum provides students a solid foundation in: 1) cellular and molecular biology; 2) organismal biology; and 3) evolutionary biology, ecology, and biodiversity.

Through course work and mentored student research, faculty emphasize the importance of evolution in biological phenomena, the role of environment in biological interactions, and ethical behavior in scientific endeavors. These experiences: 1) promote strong critical thinking and analytical skills; 2) provide hands-on experience in biological techniques; and 3) stimulate creative scientific thought.

The academic programs in biology prepare students for graduate and professional school, as well as for careers in the public and private sectors. Mentoring through academic advising, research, and internships prepares our students for future scholarship in addition to social and civic involvement.

The Biology major is intended for students seeking careers that require a strong background in biology and chemistry, including health professions (such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, public health, and veterinary medicine), teaching, research, and other professions. This major also prepares students for graduate programs in biology and related disciplines such as organismal and evolutionary biology, ecology, developmental biology, physiology, and neuroscience.

The Cell and Molecular Biology major is intended for students seeking careers in medicine, biomedical research, biotechnology, pharmacy, healthcare, teaching, and other professions requiring a strong foundation in cellular and molecular processes. This major also prepares students for graduate study in fields such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry.

The Environmental Science major is intended for students seeking careers in environmental and ecological fields, including environmental consulting, government, parks and recreation, teaching, research, environmental law, and other areas requiring strength in environmental science. This major also prepares students for graduate programs in ecology and environmental science.

All three majors require specific support courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and other subjects. Students should be aware that some post-baccalaureate degree programs require physics for admission and should discuss course options with their advisors before making course decisions.

Biology Minors and Interdisciplinary Concentration

An optional minor in biology is available to students majoring in any subject outside of biology.

Biology majors may elect an interdisciplinary concentration or minor in areas such as neuroscience, professional healthcare preparation,  or population and public health.  It is strongly recommended that students interested in these programs investigate them as early as possible in their academic careers.

Graduate Studies in Biology

The Department of Biology at John Carroll University offers a program of studies leading to the degree of Master of Science or Master of Arts. Degree requirements and courses are described in the graduate biology program pages of this bulletin and on the department website, www.jcu.edu/biology.

Biology majors planning to continue studies leading to master’s or doctoral studies are urged to consult publications and websites relevant to the proposed area of study, including Peterson’s Guide to Graduate Study, Graduate Programs and Admissions Manual of the Graduate Record Examination Board, and websites of schools to which admission will be sought. Students should also consult their biology advisor for undergraduate program recommendations. In addition, they can seek assistance from the department chair and coordinator of graduate studies.

Pre-Health Professions

Many students with healthcare career goals such as medical school or dental school choose Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology as their undergraduate major. Students should check with their intended post-graduation programs to ensure that they are completing all necessary prerequisite courses, as these majors may not include all needed course work. The Office of Pre-Health Professions can help students identify and plan for additional course work.

John Carroll University has early acceptance programs and linkages with a variety of healthcare professional schools, including medical and dental schools. For additional information, please see the Pre-Health Professions section of this Bulletin or visit the Pre-Health Professions website www.jcu.edu/prehealth.

Pre-Veterinary Students

A minimum of eighty hours of work with a veterinarian is required by Ohio State University and most schools of veterinary medicine. Pre-vet students should contact the Pre-Health Professions director during their first year for assistance in planning and for information about specific requirements and application procedures.

Case Western Reserve University Graduate Entry Nursing Program

Biology majors interested in nursing as a career may choose to enter a cooperative program in pre-nursing/nursing and earn the Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University and the Master of Nursing from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. Students in this program normally attend John Carroll for three academic years and complete all University Core requirements and the following prerequisite courses: CH 141-CH 144, CH 221 - CH 224, MT 135, DATA 228, BL 155 - BL 160, BL 213, BL 230/230L, BL 231/231L, BL 310/310L, EPA 229, PS 268, and one organism-to-biosphere course. Two upper-level electives in the first year at Case Western Reserve University complete the major requirements: NUMN 402 and NUMN 405. After successful completion of one year of the Graduate Entry Program at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, the student will be awarded the Bachelor of Science with a Biology major by John Carroll University. To be eligible for this program, students must complete at least 60 credit hours at John Carroll, have a minimum 3.00 grade point average, apply in writing to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at JCU by the end of the first semester of the junior year, and be accepted by the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in the usual manner. Students planning to follow this course of study should contact the director of the Pre-Health Professions Program during the first semester of their sophomore year.

Ursuline College Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Program

Ursuline College and John Carroll University have an agreement whereby at least two seats per year in the Breen College of Nursing at Ursuline College’s Accelerated B.S.N. Program are designated for John Carroll University graduates. Students may apply to Ursuline College’s Admission Office (through the coordinator of B.S.N. Enrollment) as early as the beginning of their junior year at John Carroll University.

Requirements

Prior to beginning nursing courses, applicants must complete the following courses with a GPA of at least 3.0:

In addition, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in mathematics and science courses and must be in good standing at John Carroll. Applicants for the two allotted seats will be considered in the order in which applications are received. When the designated seats are filled, other applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Admission is not guaranteed, and acceptance into the program is at the sole discretion of Ursuline College. For more information, contact the John Carroll Pre-Health Profession director or visit the website for the Breen College of Nursing at Ursuline College, http://www.ursuline.edu/donursing/.