Pre-Biology
What is Pre-Biology?
Pre-biology is the study of the cellular, organismal, and ecological characteristics of life. It is a diverse, research- and application-driven professional science. Biologists examine the structure and function of all forms of life including viruses (virology), bacteria (bacteriology), fungi (mycology), plants (botany) and animals (zoology). Biologists also examine the interrelatedness of organisms in ecological populations, communities and ecosystems. A solid foundation in chemistry, math, statistics and technical writing are fundamental for all biologists.
Success Factors
Students who are successful in biology enjoy discovery of the processes of the natural world the through observation and experimentation. They have well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills and are equally adapt at learning through independent reading, hands-on activity and visual observation. Because biology is a remarkably diverse pursuit, a wide variety of personality types can enjoy success. While many biologists work alone or in small groups, most regularly interact with the larger scientific community. As such, successful biology students are both independent and sociable.
Career Possibilities
Bachelor-degree graduates in biology can expect to be prepared for entry-level and technician positions in a wide variety of careers. Opportunities are somewhat limited, however, due to strong competition for job vacancies. Graduate-level education and experience are necessary for most professional careers. Students completing a degree in biology may pursue careers in botany, molecular biology, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, environmental remediation, toxicology, wildlife biology, human medicine or agriculture.
Majoring in Pre-Biology
The biology major at Raymond Walters College provides the first two years of an anticipated baccalaureate program following transfer to an accredited college or university. While most students elect to continue their education at the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Cincinnati, the program is designed to articulate well with other universities, as well. Students completing the program of study in biology are eligible for an associate of arts degree. Degree completion, however, is not required for successful transfer to a baccalaureate program.
Students in the biology program complete course work designed to provide a broad foundation in science and math as preparation for more specialized course work following transfer. Freshman-level courses include (majors) biology, first-year chemistry and finite math (or calculus). Sophomore-level courses provide a more in-depth exploration of pertinent science concepts in Cell Structure and Function, Genetics, Ecology, and Organic Chemistry. The program balances instruction, discussion and laboratory experience to provide interested students a balanced preparation.
Minoring in Pre-Biology
Raymond Walters College does not offer a minor in biology. Students who wish to minor in biology may do so once they transfer to an accredited four-year college.
Curriculum
This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.
If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the Course Applicability System (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.
|
FRESHMAN YEAR |
Credits per Quarter |
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
English Composition I, II |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Arts & Sciences elective requirements 2 |
|
|
3 |
|
Mathematics requirement for biological science majors 1 |
3-5 |
3-5 |
3 |
|
Biology I, II, III 3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
First-Year Chemistry I, II, III |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Total |
16-18 |
16-18 |
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOPHOMORE YEAR |
Credits per Quarter |
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Intermediate Composition |
3 |
|
|
|
Arts & Sciences elective requirements 2 |
3-5 |
6-8 |
6-8 |
|
Organic Chemistry I, II, III |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Cell Structure & Function |
4 |
|
|
|
Genetics |
|
4 |
|
|
Ecology |
|
|
4 |
|
Total |
15-17 |
15-17 |
15-17 |
1 Foundations of Applied Calculus & Applied Calculus I, II or Calculus & Analytic Geometry I, II
Foundations of Apllied Calculus & Applied Calculus I, II = 3 credit hours each
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I, II = 5 credit hours each
2 The arts and science requirements should be met by taking 3-6 credit hours of general
education electives in at least three of the following areas: fine arts, humanities, historical
perspectives, literature, or social science.
3 Includes both lecture and laboratory.
RWC Course Numbers
Biology
Biology I = 28-BIOL-101
Biology II = 28-BIOL-102
Biology III = 28-BIOL-103
Cell Structure and Function = 28-BIOL-301
Genetics = 28-BIOL-302
Ecology = 28-BIOL-303
Chemistry
First-Year Chemistry I = 28-CHEM-101 (lecture) and 28-CHEM 111 (lab)
First-Year Chemistry II = 28-CHEM-102 (lecture) and 28-CHEM 112 (lab)
First-Year Chemistry III = 28-CHEM-103 (lecture) and 28-CHEM 113 (lab)
Organic Chemistry I = 28-CHEM-201 (lecture) and 28-CHEM 211 (lab)
Organic Chemistry II = 28-CHEM-202 (lecture) and 28-CHEM 212 (lab)
Organic Chemistry III = 28-CHEM-203 (lecture) and 28-CHEM 213 (lab)
Mathematics
Finite Math & Calculus I = 28-MATH-225
Finite Math & Calculus II = 28-MATH-226
Finite Math & Calculus III = 28-MATH-227
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I = 28-MATH-251
Calculus & Analytic Geometry II = 28-MATH-252
English
English Composition I = 28-ENGL-101
English Composition II = 28-ENGL-102
Intermediate Composition = 28-ENGL-289
Admission Requirements
The program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Students are required to meet individual course prerequisites as described below. Students who do not meet course prerequisites will be required to successfully complete remedial courses before admittance to scheduled program course work.
High school biology with a grade of C or better.
High school chemistry with a grade of C or better.
High school algebra II & II, plane geometry and advanced mathematics, with grades of C or better.
Placement at the level of MATH-251 (score > 530) on the UC mathematics placement test.
Placement at the level of ENGL-101 (score > 3) on the UC English placement test.
Transferring to UC Requirements
Transfer into the biology program is open to all students who meet program requirements. Interested students must submit transcripts from all previous institutions for evaluation and credit assignment.
Accreditation
The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Raymond Walters College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
