Program of Study
We strive to ensure that our students have an understanding and appreciation of all of the levels of living systems, with a strong focus on the durable human skills that employers want and that AI cannot replace. Our Biology curriculum emphasizes a broad approach, with courses in introductory biology, genetics, organismal biology, and cell biology required of all majors, and with hands-on experience built into all of these courses. Unlike at large institutions, where labs and even some classes are taught by graduate students, our classes and labs are all taught by our Biology faculty - this allows students to build strong connections with their professors. Juniors and seniors also participate in a capstone seminar course focused on researching and communication. Just as our discipline is one examining the dynamic nature of the living world, we are constantly examining our courses and curriculum for ways to improve them in order to better help our students learn as much as they can.
Career Connections (Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, Pre-PA, Pre-Dental, Graduate School)
The Biology major gives you the broad scientific background you need to get a job or go on to post-graduate programs such as medical, PA, dental, veterinary, or graduate school. We provide unique opportunities for skill-building and prepare you well for all of these paths. However, we intentionally do not offer pre-med, pre-PA, pre-vet, or pre-dental majors within Biology, because those majors actually limit your opportunities. A student who majors in “pre-med” has far fewer options after graduation than a Biology major does. Some schools offer “pre-med” majors, but those provide only the minimum requirements for medical school (which every other applicant will also have). At Moravian, you gain durable skills and distinctive experiences, such as undergraduate research, international travel, and medical internships, that help you stand out!
The Biology major
The Biology major at Moravian University requires 15 courses: 10 in Biology, plus 5 co-requisites in Chemistry and Math.
- BIOL111 (Foundations of Biology)
- BIOL210 (Genetics)
- BIOL266 (Cell & Molecular Biology) or BIOL 328 (Biochemistry II)
- one course from the following group:
- BIOL212 (General Zoology)
- BIOL219 (Introductory Botany)
- BIOL330 (Marine Ecology)
- BIOL335 (Evolution)
- BIOL360 (Ecology)
- BIOL370 (Biology Seminar)
- Five units of BIOL electives**, selected in consultation with the student's advisor
**At least four (4) of these Biology electives must be at the BIOL 200-level or higher. Students may also earn elective credits by taking Special Topics, Independent Research, Internship, and Honors in Biology. At least three (3) of the student’s biology elective courses must have an associated laboratory and/or scientific research component. Only one (1) external internship can count as a biology elective. BIOL courses with a zero (0) in the middle (e.g., BIOL 103/104, BIOL206) are intended for other majors and are typically not considered Biology electives - students should only take these after consulting with their advisor.
Plus:
- CHEM113–114 (General Chemistry)
- CHEM211–212 (Organic Chemistry)
- MATH107 (Elementary Statistics) or MATH170 (Analytic Geometry and Calculus I) or MATH106–166 (Analytic Geometry and Calculus with Review) or MATH232 (Applied Statistics)
In addition, we recommend that students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in biology or the medical sciences take PHYS109–110 (Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences) or PHYS111–112 (Introductory Physics). Students should also consider courses in economics, statistics, and computer science.
The Biology Minor
The Biology minor requires 5 units in Biology: BIOL 111 (Foundations of Biology), and 4 electives, selected in consultation with a member of the Biology faculty. At least three of the elective courses must be at the 200 level or higher.