Biology

Bachelor of Arts 

The B.A. program allows students sufficient flexibility to explore their breadth of interests and still acquire an in-depth knowledge of the sciences.

Required Courses

Academic programs vary in their requirements. Students should consult with their faculty advisor and the Academic Guidebook to review the Academic Planning Form pertinent to their program of study. In addition, students should review course descriptions regarding any prerequisites for required courses. Graduation requirements include a minimum of 120 credit hours, although some academic programs may require additional credits. Please refer to the Academic Resources section of the catalog for more information. Information regarding the new Core Curriculum, which takes effect with the Class of 2016, is available at http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum.

In addition to the College’s general degree requirements, the courses required for the B.A. degree are two semesters of General Biology and General Chemistry, one semester of Organic Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Genetics, plus seven (7) additional courses - three (3) biology courses with laboratories (4 credits each) and four (4) approved science courses above the introductory level elected from biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics [Exceptions allowed: CHM 202, EPS 102, MTH 110, 131, 132, 217, and 218.]

It is strongly recommended that students in the B.A. program participate in some form of experiential education, e.g., internships, research (on- or off-campus) or attend a field school for at least one summer.

Premedical Sciences Preparation

The B.S. and B.A. degree programs meet the science requirements demanded for admission to professional schools specializing in the health sciences such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, nursing, physical therapy and veterinary medicine. However, some students whose interests lie in other areas may elect to major in a non-science department while still successfully completing the prerequisites for medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, physical therapy, or optometry school admission. Students who are planning for a career in the medical sciences should consult with the advisor for health professions early in their freshman year. For more information, please refer to the Premedical Sciences and Health Professions Programs  section of this catalog.

Neuroscience Certificate Program

Please refer to the Neuroscience Certificate Program  section of the Catalog for information about an integrated course of study in neuroscience for biology and psychology majors.