May 09, 2024  
Mercy University 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mercy University 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology, Animal Sciences Track, B.S.


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Renee E. Haskew-Layton, Ph.D., Program Director
914-674-7145
rhaskewlayton@mercy.edu

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Animal Sciences Track 

General Education Requirements            60 credits
Major Concentration  
Major Courses (Core + Major Electives) 52-58 credits 
Open Electives   2-8 credits
Total 120 credits 

 

Students who choose the major concentration in Biology Animal Sciences Track must complete all the required general education and required major courses as listed below. General Education courses are indicated with *, **, or *** and explained below.

Note(s)


  • If students qualify for MATH 201   as their Math requirement under general education, they must complete 3 credits of major electives, to be chosen with program director.
  • If students are required to take MATH 116   to meet the general education math requirement, MATH 201   will count towards major requirements.
  • To complete the major concentration, corequisite lab courses must be taken.

There is a 15-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of Biology that must be completed with courses numbered BIOL 230 and above. CHEM 354   may also be used to meet this requirement.

Required Courses


*     Fulfills 3 credits of General Education Scientific Perspectives credits
**   Fulfills 15 credits of General Education Liberal Arts electives
*** Fulfills 3 credits of General Education Mathematics credits

Major Electives: Choose 5 courses from the following list*:


Open Electives



Students who wish to apply to Veterinary Medical School should consider enrolling in MATH 260 (Calculus I) if required for their Veterinary Medical School of interest.

Biology Learning Outcomes


Students who completed this program will be able to:

  • Synthesize and apply core scientific concepts to demonstrate a broad and in-depth knowledge of biology
  • Critically evaluate and interpret scientific information from a variety of sources
  • Effectively communicate scientific concepts through oral and written modes
  • Apply the scientific method to formulate hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, and interpret experimental results
  • Exhibit proficiency in laboratory techniques in the biological sciences, troubleshoot experiments, and demonstrate safe laboratory practices
  • Employ quantitative reasoning to address biology questions and critically evaluate experimental findings and scientific information
  • Recognize the ethical dimensions of science and evaluate the implications of unethical scientific conduct
  • Critically examine basic, applied and societal problems in the biological sciences and propose problem solving strategies
  • Work as effective team members on collaborative projects

Additional Learning Outcomes for the Animal Sciences Track


Students who complete the Animal Sciences track will be able to:

  • Evince the tenets of professional behavior and communication, ethical value and culture sensitivity
  • Explain disease processes underlying common exotic and small animal diseases and evaluate their clinical implications relative to optimizing treatment
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of mammalian anatomy and the relationship between anatomical structure and function
  • Exhibit a foundational knowledge of the physiologic mechanisms, functions and metabolism organ systems of domestic species
  • Perform common clinical tests commiserate with the current standard of care of veterinary practice and explain the clinical significance of the tests and their results
  • Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of veterinary pharmacology and the ability to accurately perform dosage calculations

Additional Program Information


The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the Biological sciences and other life sciences. Students in the Biology major achieve competencies in the life sciences through active learning modules designed to deepen critical thinking skills and strengthen quantitative reasoning.
Through inquiry-based laboratory projects and faculty-student authentic research collaborations in areas such as Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology, students will put classroom theory to practice by engaging in key aspects of the scientific process.

The Animal Sciences track is for students interested in applying to schools of veterinary medicine or graduate programs in animal sciences. The track offers a unique combination of natural sciences and veterinary technology courses that expose students to authentic veterinary practices and provide a foundation in animal medicine and Anatomy and Physiology.

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