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Dec 07, 2025
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Mercy University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Biology, General Biology 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
| General Education Requirements |
60 credits |
| Major Concentration |
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| Major Courses (Core + Major Electives) |
49-55 credits |
| Open Electives |
5-11 credits |
| Total |
120 credits |
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Students who choose the major concentration in biology must complete all the required general education, required major, and major elective courses as listed below. This is a mix of GE and major required courses. GE courses are indicated with *, **, or *** and explained below.
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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. Work Based Experience Requirement for Biology Majors
Incoming freshmen biology majors are required to complete a Work Based Experience (WBE) as part of their degree requirements (transfer students are exempt). WBE provides hands-on, real-world experience through work-based learning in one of three focus areas: biological research, healthcare-related practice, or education-related engagement. Students will work under the guidance of faculty mentors and site supervisors to apply classroom knowledge to professional settings, build career-ready skills, and reflect on the integration of theory and practice. The WBE is designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to tailor their experience to their academic and career goals for meaningful professional development. It is suggested that students complete the WBE during the summer prior to their senior year, but may be completed earlier. The Career and Professional Development Office and School of Health and Natural Sciences faculty liaison will assist students in finding WBE sites. Students can fulfill the WBE requirement through one of the following modalities - Non-credit bearing experience, minimum 45 hours
- Current or prior work experience, minimum 45 hours
- BIOL 380 Internship in Biology, earn 3 credits towards your major elective requirements, 90 hour minimum
WBEs must fall within the areas of biological research, healthcare and related practice, or education engagement. Prior approval is required for an experience to qualify as a WBE and reflective assignments are required during and/or upon completion of the WBE. 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 Required Courses Continued
Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution (EBE) (choose one of the following):
Organismal Biology (choose one of the following):
Cell and Molecular Sciences (choose one of the following):
Major Elective Courses – choose 3 from any of the courses listed above plus the courses listed below:
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 General Biology Track prepares students for a variety of careers including research assistant/associate positions in academia or biotechnology firms or positions in a healthcare setting. This track also supports preparation for graduate training in the biological/biomedical sciences or professional education in medicine/dentistry or related healthcare fields such as osteopathic medicine. Students in the General Biology Track may wish to apply to the accelerated 4+1 BS/MS degree in Secondary Science Education during their junior year. Students who plan to apply for the 4+1 BS/MS degree Secondary Science education program should plan to use 15 credits of Open Electives toward Graduate Secondary Education courses (EDUC 500, EDUC 502, EDUC 505, EDUC 507, and EDUC 517). For more information please see Biology and Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12), B.S. and M.S. . Progression Criteria Students enrolling in natural science courses and biology courses must earn at least a letter grade of C in all Prerequisite courses. Students in the biology major may not repeat a course required by the major more than twice. Exceptions to progression criteria require Program Director approval. At the completion of the Biology concentration, students are expected 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
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