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BIOLOGY
Biologists study all aspects of living organisms and the relationship
of animals and plants to their environment. There are more than
25 major fields and over 300 specialty areas in biology, including
anatomy, cell biology, ecology, genetics, immunology, microbiology,
and physiology.
Recent advances in genetics have resulted in a new field called
biotechnology which involves recombining the genetic materials of
animals or plants, enabling them to do things they could not do
before. For example, the human gene that codes for the production
of insulin can be inserted into bacteria, causing them to produce
human insulin. In the near future an increasing portion of the world's
drugs, food, and chemicals will probably be produced using biotechnology
processes.
Career Opportunities
A wide range of career opportunities exists for biologists in private
industry, education, and government. Biologists work in commercial
research and development laboratories, in basic research laboratories
in universities and hospitals, and in regulatory government agencies.
Many biology graduates continue their studies in graduate, medical,
dental, veterinary, and other professional schools.
Biology at USP
At USP, an expert group of biologists work together with students
at all levels to explore life processes and to apply their knowledge
to solving complex biological problems. The study of biology is
not confined to the classroom. The Philadelphia area is endowed
with a fascinating range of habitats--grasslands, pine barrens,
lakes, mountains, seashores and dunelands--all within a few hours
drive of the College. Faculty frequently schedule field trips and
student excursions.
Research
Most of the Department's full-time faculty are actively involved
in research which engages undergraduate students in laboratory operations
and experimentation. At USP every undergraduate student in biology
has the opportunity to work in at least one of the department's
research laboratories under the direct supervision of a faculty
member.
Areas of Specialization
In the third and fourth year, students consult with their faculty
advisor about the specific area of biology that would best satisfy
their interests and career goals. Students may take an interdisciplinary
approach or choose to concentrate in areas such as:
- cell biology/microbiology
- animal biology
- clinical biology
- plant biology
- ecology/evolutionary biology
Biology Curriculum
First Year
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Biological Sciences Orientation
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Introductory Biology I and II
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General Chemistry I and II
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Mathematical Analysis I and II
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College Composition
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Introduction to Literature
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Physical Education I and II
Second Year
- Biological Sciences Colloquium
- Organic Chemistry I and II
- Introductory Physics I and II
- Basics of Microbiology
- Intellectual Heritage I and II
- Social Science Reuirements and Biology Electives
Third Year
- Genetics
- Quantitative Science Requirement
- Molecular Structure in Biochemistry
- Nucleic Acid or Intermediary Metabolic Biochemistry
- Introduction to Communication
- Biology Electives
- Core Distribution Requirements
Fourth Year
- Biology Seminar
- Biology Electives
- Core Elective
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