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Biology

Mission of the Department of Natural Sciences

The Department of Natural Sciences is responsible for instruction in the physical and biological sciences. Our programs prepare science majors for careers in biology, nursing, education, and entry into postgraduate programs and current health-related professions. Both science and non-science majors become familiar with scientific methods of inquiry and communication, are imbued with a love of learning, and develop an understanding and appreciation of our interdependence with other organisms and the physical environment. Through rigorous coursework, laboratory experiences, and individual attention and evaluation, students develop the broad knowledge base, critical thinking, and analytical skills needed for scientific competence in the twenty-first century.

Natural Sciences Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply scientific reasoning in their approach to the fundamental principles and laboratory methods in biology and chemistry.
  2. Analyze scientific quantitative data through the use of current information technology.
  3. Create and carry out a valid, independent laboratory research project and literature review.
  4. Apply written, graphical, and oral communications in their scientific findings.
  5. Evaluate and understand the ethical challenges and responsibilities of applying scientific knowledge, and the Franciscan values to the practice of science.
  6. Understand the contributions of science-related professions to human and environmental sustainability.

Joint degree programs include a B.S. in Medical Imaging Sciences (MIS), and a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) awarded jointly by Felician University and Rutgers University: School of Health Professions (Rutgers-SHP). In the MIS and MLS programs, students complete three years of general education and science coursework at Felician and 15 months of advanced coursework at Rutgers, culminating in the B.S. degree.

Students seeking accelerated entry into a health- related profession have the option of enrolling in an articulated degree program with a cooperating professional school. In the articulated programs, students have the opportunity to earn a B.S. in Biology from Felician University while beginning their Graduate studies at a cooperating institution.

Programs include Physical Therapy (Rutgers-SHP), Podiatry (NY College of Podiatric Medicine, Occupational Therapy (Sage College Albany NY), Pharmacy (Touro University, NYC), and Audiology (Bloomsburg University of PA). In most of the articulated programs, students take three years of required courses at Felician, with their first year of professional school courses counting toward their fourth year for the B.S. from Felician University. An additional 2-4 years at the professional school culminates in the graduate degree (duration depending on whether a Master's or Doctorate is awarded).

Students should declare their intention to pursue a specific articulated or joint program as soon as possible within their first year to ensure proper advisement and scheduling of the correct sequence of courses. Note that each program has a GPA requirement for entry into the cooperating professional school, and may have other qualifications as specified in the program details given in subsequent pages.

Please check the prerequisites and course selection for all programs in the department. Additional notes on prerequisites and course selection

  1. General Biology I and II (BIO-103, 104) are prerequisites for all 300 and 400-level courses. Biology Seminar (BIO-409) is a prerequisite for Undergraduate Research in Biology (BIO/CHEM 450, 451). For other prerequisites, see individual course offerings.
  2. BIO-409 is required for the articulated pre- professional programs. Students majoring in these programs should take BIO-409 in their third year to allow timely completion of senior research (and therefore timely graduation) should they be unsuccessful in meeting the requirements for transfer to the articulated professional school in their senior year.
  3. Students planning to apply to graduate school, medical school, dental school, veterinary school, or other professional programs are strongly encouraged to take Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIO-205, 206), as well as Calculus I (MATH-262). Students planning to seek an industrial position upon graduation should take Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 303).