Biology, B.S.
Gain a strong foundation in science and hands-on research that prepares you for medical school, graduate study or careers in biology.
As a biology major, the program has high expectations for you that are rewarded with the successes that come to those willing to work hard and commit to their education.
With a degree in biology from LR, you can work in the sciences, health care, education, government, non-profit, research, communications, attend graduate school and much more.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. or B.S. in Biology degree at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ.
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The Bachelor of Science in Biology major acquaints students with information and methods pertinent to a variety of biological areas, as well as selected areas of chemistry, physics and mathematics. Some of the courses include study of genetics, cellular biology, ecology, plant anatomy and physiology, and independent research.
This major prepares qualified students to enter graduate school in the biological sciences as well as medical school, dental school, veterinarian or other professional schools. In addition, biology in conjunction with other academic programs offers a dual-degree program in pre-forestry and pre-environmental management.

I went into general biology because I didn’t know I wanted to be a veterinarian. I knew science was my thing, but this let me tailor my education to my interests.
Learning Outside the Classroom
In addition to extensive laboratory experience through all of your biology courses, there are many opportunities for students to learn and develop skills outside of the classroom. Outdoor classroom activities and field experiences are planned throughout each academic year. Students perform ecological studies at lakes, streams and in the mountains. You can also take an active role in science outreach and in nature preservation on campus.
Student Research
Biology students are required to complete an independent research project — performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation — and present your findings to faculty and peers.
Internships
You may choose to participate in an internship available through area hospitals, laboratories, physician and dental offices, veterinarian clinics, as well as science centers. Work study opportunities are also available on campus, through which you can gain valuable experience serving as lab and/or faculty assistant.
Biology Events
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.
Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.
Major Requirements
The Biology major offers a comprehensive foundation in the life sciences, integrating key concepts and methodologies from biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students gain broad exposure to the biological sciences while developing critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and laboratory skills. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology is ideal for students planning to pursue advanced study in graduate, medical, dental, or other professional health programs. This rigorous degree includes coursework in physics and requires participation in undergraduate research, providing strong preparation for competitive postgraduate opportunities.
Honors
Students majoring in Biology judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Biology. To graduate ''With Honors in Biology,'' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. They must complete BIO 390Ìý²¹²Ô»å BIO 391Ìýin the junior year and BIO 498ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»å BIO 499ÌýÌýin the senior year with a minimum grade of ''B'' in each course. In addition, they must present the research at a seminar before the Biology faculty. BIO 390, BIO 391, BIO 498Ìý, and BIO 499ÌýÌýmay count for BIO 400Ìý²¹²Ô»å 4hrs of general elective for the B.S. degree.Ìý
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
Ìý
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Technical Requirements (27-28 hours)
- CHE 103Ìý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
- CHE 103LÌý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
- CHE 104Ìý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II
- CHE 104LÌý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory II
- CHE 201Ìý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry
- CHE 201LÌý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 202Ìý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry
- CHE 202LÌý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry Laboratory
- Additional MAT elective beyond course taken for general education requirement Hours: 3-4
- PHY 121Ìý-ÌýGeneral Physics I
- PHY 122Ìý-ÌýGeneral Physics II
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Major Requirements (37 hours)
- BIO 121Ìý-ÌýPrinciples of Biology I
- BIO 122Ìý-ÌýPrinciples of Biology II
- BIO 200Ìý-ÌýBiology Seminar
- BIO 240Ìý-ÌýCell Biology
- BIO 245Ìý-ÌýPlant Anatomy and Physiology
- BIO 305Ìý-ÌýGenetics
- BIO 310Ìý-ÌýGeneral Ecology
- BIO 400Ìý-ÌýResearch Problems
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- BIO 391Ìý-ÌýHonors Tutorialand * BIO 491 SEnior Honors Investigation
- BIO electives (excluding BIO 110, BIO 220, BIO 281, BIO 282, BIO 471-BIO 473) Hours: 8
- Other Requirements
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General Elective Credits
General Electives (15-17 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General EducationÌýrequirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120Ìýhours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120Ìýhours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
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