Biology, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Integrative Biology / Pre-Master of Education (7-12)
Students seeking state certification in secondary education must also complete requirements for a Master of Education degree, a one-year program at SRU. All of our programs are designed to steadily develop the quantitative, deductive and inductive reasoning skills that biologists must have.
All candidates completing this program and student teaching are eligible to receive Pennsylvania certification after achieving a passing or qualifying score on Pennsylvania Department of Education required exam(s). If you are interested in teaching in another state, please contact the Department of Education in that state.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATION
Teacher certification is earned through the master of education degree at Slippery Rock University. Students seeking secondary school teaching certification in biology must earn a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree in biology and contact the Department of Secondary Education/Foundations of Education concerning its graduate program in education. Information about this program, including prerequisites for admission, may be obtained from the Secondary Education/Foundations of Education office in 114 McKay Education Building.
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
- Knowledge/Content
- 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 - Integrative Biology, Pre-Masters of Education, BS Program Page
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Core GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 45 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements/Concentration | 60 | |
| Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements | 12 | |
| Electives | 15 | |
* 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus | 4 |
| or MATH 225 | Calculus I | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| PHYS 201 | Elements of Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| or PHYS 211 | General Physics I with Lab | |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
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 Requirements/Concentration
- 30 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 28 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 should complete all 200-level Biology requirements by the end of their sophomore year.
- To view the SRU policy on senior undergraduate students earning graduate credit, click here.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Core Requirements | ||
| BIOL 113 | Biology I: Foundations of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 325 | Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Required Upper-Level Biology | ||
| BIOL 335 | Cell Biology 1 | 3 |
| or BIOL 370 | Molecular Biology | |
| BIOL 310 | Plant Diversity with Lab (Now called Plant Diversity) 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 312 | Zoology with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 350 | Evolution 1 | 3 |
| or BIOL 401 | Ecology with Lab | |
| BIOL 330 | Microbiology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Upper-Level Biology Electives | ||
| Select 9 credits in BIOL or MARS courses from Additional Upper Level Biology Electives Below | 9 | |
| Upper-Level Biology Electives 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Related Sciences – Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 108 | General Chemistry II 2 | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II Lab 2 | 1 |
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I 2 | 3 |
| CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 2 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 8 | |
| Related Sciences – Additional Science Elective Options | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry II 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Biochemistry I 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Related Sciences – Physics | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| PHYS 202 | Elements of Physics II/ Lab 2 | 4 |
| or PHYS 217 | University Physics 2 with Lab | |
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Independent Study Options | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 3 | |
| Independent Study Option | ||
| Independent Study 1 | ||
or BIOL 450 | Biology Internship | |
| Non-Independent Study Option | ||
| Select 3 credits in BIOL or MARS course from Additional Upper-Level Biology Electives below. | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements but not for Major GPA
Recommended Courses for Biology Pre-Masters in Education Majors
Listed below are the recommended courses for Biology Pre-Masters in Education majors. You will need to take these courses prior to obtaining your M. Ed.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SEFE 338 | Standards-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Inclusionary Classroom | 3 |
| SPED 121 | Overview of Special Education | 3 |
| One EGEO with Lab | 4 | |
| Two Math courses (one must be Calculus) | 6-8 | |
| Must take the following as part of your Upper-Class Biology Electives: | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Ecology with Lab | ||
| Animal Physiology with Lab | ||
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus | 4 |
| or MATH 225 | Calculus I | |
| PHYS 201 | Elements of Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| or PHYS 211 | General Physics I with Lab | |
Additional Upper-Level Biology Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 301 | Forest Ecology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 302 | Ecology of Amphibians & Reptiles/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 303 | Behavioral Ecology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 305 | Wetlands and Aquatic Plants/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 306 | Freshwater Biomonitoring/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 307 | Vertebrate Ecology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 308 | Aquatic Ecosystem Management / Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 309 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 310 | Plant Diversity with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 311 | Entomology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 313 | Herpetology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 314 | Parasitology with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 316 | Immunology with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 317 | Ecology and Fungi 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 320 | Ornithology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 321 | Wildlife Management/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 322 | Conservation Biology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 323 | Stream Ecology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 326 | Field Methods in Biogeography/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 327 | Limnology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 331 | Mammology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 335 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 340 | Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab | 3 |
| BIOL 343 | Embryology with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 350 | Evolution 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 356 | Field Ecology / Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 357 | Environmental Microbiology with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 360 | Field Botany 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 361 | Flora of Western Pennsylvania 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 370 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 371 | Vertebrate Field Zoology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 373 | Ichthyology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 375 | Ecology of Fish / Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 380 | Endocrinology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 395 | Workshop | 1-6 |
| BIOL 398 | Selected Topics | 1-3 |
| BIOL 400 | Disease Ecology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 401 | Ecology with Lab | 3 |
| BIOL 402 | Biogeography/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 405 | Animal Physiological Ecology with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 409 | Pathophysiology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 412 | Population Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 430 | Pathogenic Microbiology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 435 | Cellular and Molecular Analysis Laboratory 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 450 | Biology Internship 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 451 | Plant Physiology/Lab | 3 |
| BIOL 470 | Histology with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 495 | Workshop | 1-6 |
| BIOL 498 | Selected Topics 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 221 | Marine Invertebrates 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 241 | Marine Biology 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 250 | Wetland Ecology | 3 |
| MRSC 260 | Marine Ecology | 3 |
| MRSC 270 | Coastal Vegetation | 3 |
| MRSC 298 | Selected Topics | 1-3 |
| MRSC 300 | Behavior of Marine Organisms 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 310 | The Mammals of Coastal Ecosystems 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 320 | Marine Microbiology 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 330 | Tropical Invertebrates | 3 |
| MRSC 342 | Marine Botany 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 343 | Marine Ichthyology 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 344 | Anatomy of Marine Chordates 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 345 | Ornithology 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 350 | Physiology of Marine Invertebrates 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 398 | Selected Topics 1 | 1-3 |
| MRSC 420 | Marine Micropaleontology 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 431 | Ecology of Marine Plankton 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 441 | Biology of Molluscs 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 490 | Independent Study 1 | 1-3 |
| MRSC 491 | Coral Reef Ecology 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 492 | Marine Mammals 1 | 3 |
| MRSC 498 | Selected Topics 1 | 1-3 |
| MRSC 500 | Problems in Marine Science 1 | 3 |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
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:
- Student-faculty research
- Internships
- Volunteering
- 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) / CIM 82
w/optional Pre Masters in Education (7-12) (PX)
This program is effective as of Fall 2023
Revised 09.18.2025
UCC 02.25.2025
RECOMMENDED FOUR-YEAR PLAN
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| BIOL 113 | Biology I: Foundations of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity with Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 108 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II |
||
BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL |
|
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| SPED 121 | Overview of Special Education | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Biochemistry I or Physical Chemistry 1 |
||
BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL |
|
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus | 4 |
| Elective with DEI attribute | 3 | |
| SEFE 338 | Standards-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Inclusionary Classroom | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 216 |
Elements of Physics I with Lab or University Physics 1 with Lab |
4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 202 or PHYS 217 |
Elements of Physics II/ Lab or University Physics 2 with Lab |
4 |
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| BIOL 300+ | Upper Level BIOL | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours** | 122-123 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
**This document serves as a guide. Earning a degree requires at least 120 credits, though some majors require more. Before registering for courses, consult your academic adviser and review your curriculum guide. Be sure to review and confirm your plan with your adviser at least once each academic year.
Major/Concentration: 6108/INBI
Concentration Code: PX
Revised date: 08.11.2025