Programs

The different programs offered in the Biology Department are:

• Bachelor of Science of Biology  

Mission Statement
The BS program in Biology prepares students for advanced study and careers in research, education, and service in Biology-related disciplines. Students will acquire descriptive, experimental, quantitative, and conceptual abilities spanning molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels. Lecture and laboratory courses will emphasize model systems, the role of evolution, the diversity of living systems, hypothesis-based reasoning, and communication skills. Science, social science, and humanities coursework will foster creativity, free thought, interdisciplinary skills, and commitment to ethical scholarship.
Departmental Requirements
The departmental requirements for the BS degree in Biology are: 
- Biology 201, 202, 220, 223
- Two of the following four courses: 224, 252, 260 or 270
- Biol 293 or 294
- A minimum of 13 credits in Biology elective courses including a minimum of one 4 credit course in addition to the courses: CHEM 201, 210, 211 and 212; STAT 210; PHYS 205, 205L. 
Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from Biology with a BS should be able to:
- Demonstrate, using proper vocabulary, basic knowledge and understanding of major integrating concepts of biology, including the chemical basis for life, cell theory, genetics, microbiology, physiology, immunology, ecology, and the origin and history of life.
- Recognize, analyze, and discuss the relationship between structure and function at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.
- Explain molecular mechanisms of gene expression and regulation.
- Understand mechanisms and cellular roles of respiration, photosynthesis, metabolism, and enzymes.
- Describe the diversity of life, its classification, and its ecological and scientific importance.
- Explain natural selection and describe different models of speciation.
- Explain the choice of model systems for pursuing specific biological questions.
- Work safely, ethically, and efficiently in the laboratory and field.
- Properly record observations and experimental data.
- Test hypotheses by designing, conducting, and interpreting experiments using appropriate statistical tools.
- Use the literature and public domain biological databases.
- Communicate biological subjects and data effectively.
- Integrate knowledge of mathematical, physical, and social sciences with biology.
- Explain important historical experiments and current biological issues of public concern.

• Master of Sciences in Biology

Departmental Requirements
Departmental requirements for the MS in Biology are:
- Completion of BS in Biology or any other related field
- Unless otherwise stated, only Senior Undergraduate Biology Majors with an average of 80 or above can register in Biology graduate courses with consent of instructor.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cell and Molecular Biology (starting Fall 2007-2008)

Departmental Requirements
Departmental requirements for the PhD in biology are:
- Bachelor's (BS) or Master's (MS) degree in Biological Sciences or related fields from an institution recognized  by AUB.
- Three letters of recommendation should be provided from previous tutors or employers.
- Applicants should take the general part of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and the subject part in "Biology" or "Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology". This exam is required by both BS and MS holders. A  score on a previously taken GRE will remain valid for a period of three years.
- A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or English Entrance Examination (EEE) that  meets the university requirements (250 for computer-based TOEFL, 600 for paper based TOEFL and 550 for EEE).
- A statement of purpose.
- An interview with a departmental committee. The committee may require the student to give a presentation.
- Recommendation for admission by the Department.

• Minor in Biology

The minor in Biology requires 15 credits of BIOL courses. The courses are: BIOL 201 (4 credits), BIOL 202 (4 credits), plus at least two courses (provided the prerequisites of these courses are satisfied) to complete the 15 credits required for the minor. For further details, please consult AUB catalogue.

• Minor in Aquatic and Environmental Sciences

Students from any field can minor in Aquatic and Environmental Sciences by completing, in addition to BIOL 202 or BIOL 200, a total of 15 credits chosen as follows:
   1. One course from BIOL 252, BIOL 250, BIOL 256
   2. One course from BIOL 266, BIOL 246, BIOL 267, BIOL 255
   3. The remaining credits are completed by choosing from the following: CHEM 202, PHIL 209, PSPA 288F, BIOL240, BIOL 241, BIOL 245, BIOL 246, BIOL 250, BIOL 252, BIOL 254, BIOL 255, BIOL 256, BIOL 258, BIOL258, BIOL 259, BIOL 266, BIOL 267, BIOL 281, LWRS AGSC 215, LWRS 275 (not given anymore, may be equivalent to AGSC 265), LWRS 229=LDEM 230,PLSC 284=AGSC 284, PLSC 295=AGSC 295, LDEM 211, LDEM 215, ECMG 202/ENSC 202=LGEM 203, ENHL 220, CIVE 350, CIVE 450
   
A minimum of three courses should be taken outside the student's major of study and should be chosen from 
two different disciplines.Only one of the courses taken from 1 and 2 by Biology majors minoring in 
environmental and aquatic studies is counted toward the major.

The Undergraduate and Graduate (Masters and PhD) student body and student to faculty ratio in our Department is summarized in the below table.