What Does a BA in Biology Consist of: An In-depth Guide

College students are often faced with deciding between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology. While most universities offer both, the BA in Biology, typically found in Liberal Arts colleges, and the BS in Biology, available in larger universities, share some commonalities yet have distinct differences.

Overview of BA vs. BS in Biology

Generally, Liberal Arts colleges are more likely to offer a BA in Biology due to their focus on a broader education and interdisciplinary integration. Conversely, larger universities tend to offer the BS in Biology. Both degree programs share similar core courses and general requirements, such as writing, history, social sciences, mathematics, and calculus, which are designed to build a strong foundation.

Core Courses for BA in Biology

The core courses for a BA in Biology are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological sciences. These include:

SC120 General Biology I SC133 Principles of Chemistry I SC134 Principles of Chemistry II SC210 Public Health and Epidemiology SC213 Microbiology SC214 General Biology II SC225 Introduction to Biotechnology SC312 Cell and Molecular Biology SC313 Fundamentals of Biochemistry SC314 Genetics SC402 Evolutionary Biology SC450 Senior Seminar SC460 Internship Biology Focus

Experiential Learning

Beyond the core courses, a significant component of the BA in Biology program is experiential learning. This includes:

One Biology Program Elective at the 300/400 level Two Biology Program Electives at the 300/400 level

Internship in Biology provides practical experience and helps students integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

General Education Requirements

The BA in Biology also requires a range of General Education courses to broaden students' perspectives and integrate different disciplines. These include:

CS101 Computer Concepts and Applications EN101 English I EN102 English II EN201 Intermediate Writing IS105 Common Experience MA107 College Algebra or MA 117 Finite Math MA121 Basic Statistics MA221 Statistical Data Analysis Humanities Elective Social Science Elective (Two credits)

These courses are designed to enhance critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, preparing students for a wide range of careers and further academic pursuits.

Key Differences Between BA and BS in Biology

While both degree programs share a significant overlap in their core courses and general requirements, the BS in Biology typically involves a more extensive scientific curriculum. Completing the BS in Biology usually requires:

Additional advanced biology courses A greater number of science courses overall A research component or thesis

Students pursuing a BS in Biology are better prepared for careers that require a high level of technical expertise in the biological sciences, such as research, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sciences.

Conclusion

The BA in Biology offers a broader education with a focus on integrating liberal arts and scientific knowledge. This degree is ideal for students who plan to pursue careers in a variety of fields or continue their education in a more general science-based path.

Keywords: BA in Biology, Core Courses, Experiential Learning