Biology Degree

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A career in biology is a great choice if you are looking to impact the world around you.

Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

A degree in Biology at Welch will help you demonstrate significant proficiency in areas of science which support the field of biology; this will aid your future career and calling. You will be able to apply scientific knowledge and principles in the context of the field of biology, and synthesize biblical values, general knowledge, and scientific principles to support a career in biology.

Careers with a Biology Degree

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a promising job outlook for those entering this field. While in today’s competitive job market a degree does not guarantee employment, here are some of the career paths that many professionals pursue with a degree in Biology: 

 

  • Agricultural and Food Scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Biological Technician
  • Biochemist
  • Health Communications Specialist
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Science Writer
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Medical Equipment Sales
  • Biology Teacher
  • Pharmaceutical Sales

Biology programs available at Welch College

For full program details, tap below to expand.

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Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Biology Education

(May be used for Secondary School Licensure, Grades 6-12)

This program is designed to prepare students to teach with competence as a highly qualified teacher in middle school science or secondary biological science in Christian or public schools. Licensure also requires successful completion of the Praxis II Assessments, including the Specialty Area test in Science, according to minimum scores set by the Tennessee State Department of Education. Graduates should be able to:

  • Demonstrate significant proficiency in areas of science which support the field of biology;
  • Apply scientific knowledge and principles in the context of the field of biology; and
  • Synthesize biblical values, general knowledge, and scientific principles to suport a career in biology education.

Requirements: 149 hours, with a 2.75 g.p.a. overall, in all majors for licensure, and the Professional Core, which is required for admission to the program, admission to Student Teaching, graduation, and licensure. Otherwise, a minimum 2.00 g.p.a. is required in each segment of the degree.

(1) Theological Studies Major, 32 hours:

  • BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
  • BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
  • BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
  • IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
  • PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S Core)
  • THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
  • THE 3102. Christian Ethics, 3
  • BIB elective, 3 (must be at the 4000 level)

(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 37 hours:

  • BUS 1150 Microcomputer Applications, 0
  • ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
  • ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
  • HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
  • IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles (2)
  • IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement (2)
  • MAT 2111. Introduction to Statistics and Probability, 3 (students must take MAT 1011. College
  • Algebra if they make a score of 17 or below on the ACT math or comparable)
  • MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
  • PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
  • SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3

(3) Science Major, 47 hours:

     (a) Biology Major Core, 31 hours:

  • BIO 1101, 1111. General Biology I and Lab, 4 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core and meet BIO1001, 1011 requirements)
  • BIO 1202, 1212. General Biology II, and Lab, 4
  • BIO 2203. Genetics, 3
  • BIO 3103, 3113. Ecology and Lab, 4
  • BIO 3215. Science, Christianity, and Origins, 3
  • BIO 4502. Biology Senior Seminar, 1
  • CHE 1004, 1014. General Chemistry I and Lab, 4
  • CHE 1105, 1115. General Chemistry II and Lab, 4
  • CHE 2003, 2013. Organic Chemistry I and Lab, 4

     (b) General Biology, 16 hours:

  • BIO 2401, 2411. Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab, 4
  • BIO 2502, 2512. Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab, 4
  • MAT 2211. Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, 4
  • SCI 2204, 2214. Physical Science and Lab, 4

(4) Professional Education Core, 33 hours:

  • PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3
  • EDU 2001. Introduction to Education, 2
  • EDU 2102. Educational Psychology, 2
  • EDU 3801. Exceptional Child, 3
  • EDU 4201. School Assessment, 2
  • EDU 4302. Teaching in the Secondary Grades, 3
  • EDU 4332. Content Area Reading/Writing, 3
  • EDU 4401. History and Philosophy of Education, 2
  • EDU 4450. Introduction to Student Teaching, 1
  • EDU 4500. Student Teaching Seminar, 2
  • EDU 4800. Enhanced Student Teaching: 6-12, 10
Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Biology, Emphasis in Pre-health Sciences

The program is designed to prepare students planning to pursue health-related careers. Graduates should be able to:

  • Demonstrate significant proficiency in areas of science which support the field of biology;
  • Apply scientific knowledge and principles in the context of the field of biology; and
  • Synthesize biblical values, general knowledge, and scientific principles to support a career in biology or related fields.

Requirements for Emphasis in Pre-health Sciences, 138 hours; require a 2.50 g.pa. overall and in each segment of the degree.

(1) Theological Studies Major, 30 hours:

  • BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
  • BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
  • BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
  • IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
  • PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S Core)
  • THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
  • BIB elective, 4 (must be at the 4000 level)

(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 37 hours:

  • BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
  • ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
  • ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
  • HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
  • IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
  • IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
  • MAT 2111. Introduction to Statistics and Probability, 3 (students must take MAT 1011. College Algebra if they make a score of 17 or below on the ACT math or comparable)
  • MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
  • PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
  • SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
  • SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3

(3) Biology Major, 71 hours, (a) Biology Major Core plus (b) Pre-health Sciences Emphasis 

(a) Biology Major Core, 27 hours, required for both emphases:

  • BIO 1101, 1111. General Biology I and Lab, 4 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core and meet BIO1001, 1011 requirements)
  • BIO 1202, 1212. General Biology II, and Lab, 4
  • BIO 2203. Genetics, 3
  • BIO 3215. Science, Christianity, and Origins, 3
  • BIO 3103, 3113. Ecology and Lab, 4
  • BIO 4502. Biology Senior Seminar, 1
  • CHE 1004, 1014. General Chemistry I and Lab, 4
  • CHE 1105, 1115. General Chemistry II and Lab, 4

(b) Pre-health Sciences Emphasis: Cell and Molecular Biology, 44 hours:

  • BIO 2106, 2116. Microbiology and Lab, 4
  • BIO 2401, 2411. Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab, 4
  • BIO 2502, 2512. Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab, 4
  • BIO 3304, 3314. Cell Biology and Lab, 4
  • BIO 4005, 4015. Molecular Biology and Lab, 4
  • BIO 4106, 4116. Biochemistry and Lab, 4
  • CHE 2003, 2013. Organic Chemistry I and Lab, 4
  • CHE 2106, 2116. Organic Chemistry II and Lab, 4
  • MAT 2211. Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, 4
  • PHY 2003, 2013. General Physics I and Lab, 4
  • PHY 2106, 2116. General Physics II and Lab, 4
    Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Biology, Emphasis in Cell and Molecular Biology

    The program is designed to prepare students planning to pursue advanced careers in biology. Graduates should be able to:

    • Demonstrate significant proficiency in areas of science which support the field of biology;
    • Apply scientific knowledge and principles in the context of the field of biology; and
    • Synthesize biblical values, general knowledge, and scientific principles to support a career in biology or related fields.

    Requirements for Emphasis in Cell and Molecular Biology, 130 hours; require a 2.50 g.pa. overall and in each segment of the degree.

    (1) Theological Studies Major, 30 hours:

    • BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
    • BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
    • BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
    • IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
    • PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S Core)
    • THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
    • BIB elective, 4 (must be at the 4000 level)

    (2) Arts and Sciences Core, 37 hours:

    • BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
    • ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
    • ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
    • HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
    • IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
    • IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
    • MAT 2111. Introduction to Statistics and Probability, 3 (students must take MAT 1011. College Algebra if they make a score of 17 or below on the ACT math or comparable)
    • MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
    • PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
    • SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
    • SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3

    (3) Biology Major, 71 hours, (a) Biology Major Core plus (b) Cell and Molecular Biology Emphasis 

    (a) Biology Major Core, 27 hours, required for both emphases:

    • BIO 1101, 1111. General Biology I and Lab, 4 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core and meet BIO1001, 1011 requirements)
    • BIO 1202, 1212. General Biology II, and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2203. Genetics, 3
    • BIO 3215. Science, Christianity, and Origins, 3
    • BIO 3103, 3113. Ecology and Lab, 4
    • BIO 4502. Biology Senior Seminar, 1
    • CHE 1004, 1014. General Chemistry I and Lab, 4
    • CHE 1105, 1115. General Chemistry II and Lab, 4

    (b) Cell and Molecular Biology Emphasis, 36 hours:

    • BIO 2106, 2116. Microbiology and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2401, 2411. Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2502, 2512. Anatomy & Physiology II and Lab, 4
    • BIO 3304, 3314. Cell Biology and Lab, 4
    • BIO 4005, 4015. Molecular Biology and Lab, 4
    • BIO 4106, 4116. Biochemistry and Lab, 4
    • CHE 2003, 2013. Organic Chemistry I and Lab, 4
    • MAT 2211. Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, 4
    • PHY 2003, 2013. General Physics I and Lab, 4
    Associate of Science Degree in Biology (for Pre-Nursing)

    This degree requires only a 2.00 g.p.a. However, students who are seeking entrance into one of the institutions with which Welch College has a 2+2 relationship must achieve at least a 2.75 g.p.a. for that institution to accept them into their program.

    This two-year program may lead to a B.S. in Nursing at Belmont University, Cumberland University, and Union University through cooperative 2+2 programs and other health-care related vocations. The degree prepares students planning to enter a nursing program or related healthcare field. Welch College is a member of the Partners in Nursing Program. Seats in the program are set aside for qualified Welch graduates of the A.S. in Biology who can then complete the B.S. degree at Belmont, Cumberland, or Union University in two additional years. Students applying for these programs may be required to take a residual ACT. These universities reserves the right to accept only those applicants who have the most competitive ACT scores and grade-point averages.

    In addition to meeting the specific objectives stated elsewhere for the major in Theological Studies and for the Arts and Sciences core, the graduate should be able to:

    (1) Demonstrate significant proficiency in areas of science which support the field of nursing; and

    (2) Apply scientific knowledge and principles in the context of the field of nursing; and

    (3) Synthesize biblical values, general knowledge, and scientific principles to support a career in nursing.

    Requirements: 64 hours, with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall and in each major.

    (1) Theological Studies, 14 hours:

    • BIB 1100. Introducton to Biblical Studies, 2
    • BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
    • BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10

    (2) Arts and Sciences, 20 hours:

    • BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
    • ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
    • ENG 2111. Masterpieces of World Literature I, 3
    • HIS 1011. History of Western Civilization, 3
    • IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
    • MAT 2111. Introduction to Statistics and Probability, 3
    • MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3

    (3) Nursing-related Courses, 6 hours:

    • PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3
    • SSC 2008. Introduction to Sociology, 3

    (4) Biology and Chemistry, 16 hours:

    • BIO 2106, 2116. Microbiology and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2401, 2411. Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2502, 2512. Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab, 4
    • CHE 1002, 1012. Fundamentals of Chemistry and Lab, 4

    (5) General electives, 8 hours

    Suggested general electives for Belmont University 2+2 program, 14 hours:

    • BIO 2307. Principles of Nutrition, 3
    • IDS 1902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 2
    • MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
    • PSY 2001. General Psychology, 3
    • SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3

    Suggested general electives for Cumberland University 2+2 program, 18 hours:

    • BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2307. Principles of Nutrition, 3
    • HIS 1022. History of Western Civilization II, 3
    • IDS 1902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 2
    • MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
    • SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3

    Suggested general electives for Union University 2+2 program, 15 hours:

    • BIO 3002. Pathophysiology, 3
    • ENG 2112. Masterpieces of World Literature II, 3
    • HIS 1022. History of Western Civilization II, 3
    • PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
    • PSY 2001. General Psychology, 3
    Minor in Pre-health Science

    Students wishing to pursue careers requiring medical school, dental school, veterinary school, and other health-related graduate programs are not required to major in science, but must show proficiency in the area. While the following Welch courses are generally required by health science programs, students should consult the graduate program or programs to which they wish to apply about completion of prerequisites specific to that particular program.

    • BIO 1101, 1111. General Biology I and Lab, 4
    • BIO 1202, 1212. General Biology II and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2106, 2116. Microbiology and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2401, 2414. A&P I and Lab, 4
    • BIO 2502, 2512. A&P II and Lab, 4
    • CHE 1004, 1014. General Chemistry I and Lab, 4
    • CHE 1105, 1115. General Chemistry II and Lab, 4
    • CHE 2003, 2013. Organic Chemistry I and Lab, 4
    • CHE 2106, 2116. Organic Chemistry II and Lab, 4
    • MAT 2111. Intro. to Statistics and Prob., or MAT 2211. Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, 3
    • PHY 2003, 2013. General Physics I and Lab, 4
    • PHY 2106, 2116. General Physics II and Lab, 4

    Meet your Degree Program Coordinator

    Dr. Ian Hawkins - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

    Dr. Ian Hawkins

    Associate Professor of Biology | Dean, School of Arts and Sciences | Program Coordinator, Biology

    B.S. (biochemistry), East Carolina University, 2001
    B.S. (chemistry), East Carolina University, 2001
    M.S., Vanderbilt University, 2006
    Ph.D., Middle Tennessee State University, 2013
    Faculty, Welch College, 2006-

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