Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Slippery Rock University

Biology, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Histotechnology

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Competence in Laboratory and Research Skills: To conduct, assess, and communicate research investigations using established scientific practices. (SRU UG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 10)
  • Core Concepts for Biological Literacy:  (SRU UG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9)
    • Knowledge/Content
      • Evolution
      • Structure and function across all levels of biological organization
      • Diversity and interactions of life
      • Information flow, exchange and storage in biological systems
    • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
      • Connect information from cognate science courses and liberal arts courses to biological concepts
      • Apply scientific information to current and future societal problems
  • Participation in Diverse, Enriching Scientific Activities:   Apply technical and professional skills in hands-on laboratory, clinical or field experiences.  (SRU UG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)
  • Professional Attitude: Graduates demonstrate professional attitude, behavior, and ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.  (SRU UG 1, 5, 7, 8, 9)

Related Links

Biology - Histotechnology, BS Program Page

Biology Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Core GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements45
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements60
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements12
Electives15

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 125Precalculus4
or MATH 225 Calculus I
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
CHEM 107General Chemistry I3
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab1
Physical Sciences Inquiry
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab4
or PHYS 216 University Physics 1 with Lab
Subtotal17
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours45
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements 

  • 60 credits = 42 coursework credits; 14 clinical credits
  • 30 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 30 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
  • Students desiring a Biology Major must maintain at least a 2.000 average in Biology.
  • Students must earn a "C" or better in both Biology I with Lab (BIOL 113) and Biology II with Lab (BIOL 114) before proceeding to their next biology course. 
  • Students must earn a "C" or better in both Genetics with Lab (BIOL 250) and Biometry with Lab (BIOL 325) prior to graduating.  
  • To view the SRU policy on senior undergraduate students earning graduate credit, click here.
Biology Core Requirements
BIOL 113Biology I: Foundations of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity with Lab4
BIOL 114Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab4
BIOL 250Genetics with Lab 1,24
BIOL 325Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab3
Subtotal15
Required Upper-Level Biology
BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 309Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIOL 316Immunology with Lab3
BIOL 335Cell Biology3
BIOL 470Histology with Lab3
Subtotal17
Related Sciences - Chemistry
CHEM 108General Chemistry II 33
CHEM 112General Chemistry II Lab 31
CHEM 201Organic Chemistry I 33
CHEM 211Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 31
CHEM 202Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 212Organic Chemistry Laboratory II1
Subtotal12
Related Sciences - Physics
PHYS 202Elements of Physics II/ Lab4
or PHYS 217 University Physics 2 with Lab
Clinical Experience (12 credits to complete 120 hrs in degree)
Minimum of 91 hrs on campus plus 1 yr (12 months) at an affiliated School of Histotechnology or one acceptable to SRU
BIOL 4TRClinical Experience 312
Total Hours60
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

2

Core GPA

3

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements but not for Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements

CHEM 107General Chemistry I3
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab1
MATH 125Precalculus4
or MATH 225 Calculus I
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab4
or PHYS 216 University Physics 1 with Lab

Electives

BIOL 4TRClinical Experience16

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. Career education and development
  2. Student-faculty research
  3. Volunteering
  4. Job Shadowing

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

BIOLOGY - BS (6108)
Concentration in Histotechnology (HTEC)
This program is effective as of Summer 2025
Revised 01.21.2026
UCC 11.25.2025