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Biology

Biology majors at Thomas University design their curriculum to meet personal career and education objectives with a wide range of independent study opportunities, such as internships programs, advanced research and directed readings.

Regardless of emphasis, all Biology majors take basic coursework in botany, zoology, evolution, microbiology and the principles of biology, as well as mathematics and chemistry.

These and related subjects will prepare students for advanced training in the medical professions and provide the background to qualify for examinations, such as the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) and PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) as well as graduate school.

+Interested in a career in medicine, veterinary science or physical therapy?

Pre-medical students often choose degrees in Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry, but there is not one specific degree required. Some pursue psychology degrees. The important fact is to ensure the prerequisite coursework for the schools to which you are applying have been met. Students will need to ensure this on a case-by-case basis; TU is not able to do this for you.

Most pre-medical applicants take the MCAT at the end of their third year. It is for this reason that you may choose to accelerate science coursework. This is something to discuss with your advisor as soon as possible.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, most medical schools require the following courses, although this varies from school to school. Again, it is your responsibility to review the requirements of any post-bachelor's degree program.

  • One year of biology
  • One year of physics
  • One year of English
  • Two years of chemistry (through Organic)

The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.

In April 2015, the AAMC launched a new version of the MCAT exam. Scores are reported in four sections:

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Admissions Requirements for Medical School

Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine students often choose a degree in Biology, but the important fact is to ensure the prerequisite coursework for the schools to which you are applying have been met. Students will need to ensure this on a case-by-case basis; TU is not able to do this for you.

A common application is completed for veterinarian graduate school. See this website for a pre-requisite requirements grid for a majority of veterinarian graduate schools and for information on the common application process. The application is usually completed in September. Typically, the GRE is required although some schools will take the MCAT.

Prospective pre-vet candidates should review each school to which they intend to apply to ensure proper requisites are met, but typical coursework includes:

  • Biology
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Physics
  • Math Statistics
  • English Composition
  • Humanities/Social Science
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology

Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses.

Veterinary College Application Services

The most common undergraduate majors among Physical Therapy students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology and psychology. In selecting a college major, consider how you will you satisfactorily complete the prerequisite courses for your designated physical therapist programs in addition to the college/university's degree and major requirements. Work with your academic advisor to plan your course schedule. For additional information about college majors for the most recent applicant pool, review the PTCAS Applicant Data Report.

A common application is completed for physical therapy graduate school. See this website for information on the common application process. The application is usually completed in September. http://www.apta.org/ProspectiveStudents/Admissions/PTProcess/

Pre-PT students are required to take the GRE six weeks before admission deadline.

Typically required for PT school admission is volunteer and/or paid internship experience in a PT setting.

Prospective pre-physical therapy candidates should review each school to which they intend to apply to ensure proper requisites are met, but typical coursework includes the list below. Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses.

The most commonly required course prerequisites are below:

  • Anatomy / A&P 1 with lab.
  • Physiology / A&P 2 with lab.
  • Biology 1 (not botany or zoology)
  • Biology 2 (not botany or zoology)
  • General Chemistry 1 with lab.
  • General Chemistry 2 with lab.
  • General Physics 1 with lab.
  • General Physics 2 with lab

Physical Therapy Admission Process

Note: The physical therapist assistant (PTA) programs are NOT considered to be a stepping-stone to a professional physical therapist (PT) program. The PTA curriculum differs from that of the physical therapist and does NOT provide the needed prerequisites required for physical therapist education. Less than two percent of enrolled students were PTAs prior to enrolling in a PT education program.

Students seeking to attend Physician Assistant programs often choose a degree in Biology, but the important fact is to ensure the prerequisite coursework for the schools to which you are applying have been met.

According to the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), many graduate programs require the following courses, although this varies from school to school. Again, it is your responsibility to review the requirements of any post-bachelor's degree program. Prospective Pre-PA candidates should review each school to which they intend to apply to ensure proper requisites are met:

  • Chemistry
  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Microbiology
  • Biology

Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses and require a central application. Many PA programs also require prior healthcare experience with hands-on patient care. In fact, most students have a bachelor’s degree and about three years of healthcare experience before entering a program. Healthcare experience can be gained by the following certification in (not an exhaustive list):

TrainerNurse
Cardiovascular PerfusionistNursing Assistant
Military medical corpsmanOrthopedic Technician
Dental HygienistPatient Care Technician
DieticianPharmacist
Trained CaregiverPhysical Therapist
EMT/ParamedicPhysical Therapist Asst.
Exercise PhysiologistX-Ray Technician
Foreign Medical Graduate - PhysicianUltrasound Technician
Home Health Care AideRespiratory Therapist
PhlebotomistSurgical Technician
Medical AssisantMidwife

Those interested in attending Florida State should consider taking PAS 2050 as a transient student. Students enrolled at FSU can take the course PAS 2050, Introduction to the PA Profession, to waive the 500-hour minimum requirement. This course is an intensive exploratory course designed for individuals considering a career as a PA. However, the intent is not for the applicant to have no patient care experience, but rather for the student who will not quite hit the 500-hour mark at the time of matriculation. Minimal patient care hours will likely reflect negatively on the applicant during the student selection process.

Become a Physician Assistant

Biology students will be required to take ETS Biology Major Fields Test prior to graduation (senior year), although a specific score is not required for graduation.

+Courses

GENERAL EDUCATION

  • Composition I
  • Composition II
  • Oral Communication for Professionals
  • University Studies
  • College Algebra
  • Statistics
  • Science elective (1 classes)
  • Inquiry electives (2 classes)
  • Creativity electives (2 classes)
  • Cultural Foundations electives (3 classes)

BIOLOGY COURSES

  • Biology I
  • Biology II
  • Chemistry I
  • Chemistry II
  • Microbiology
  • Ecology
  • Zoology
  • Botany
  • Evolution
  • Genetics
  • Writing in Biology
  • Senior Seminar

Minor/Electives 33 credits

TOTAL CREDITS 120 Credits

CIP Code 26.0101

+Careers

A degree in biology prepares individuals for a wide variety of occupations as well as those preparing students interested in careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or other professional schools programs.  Students in these areas of pre-professional schooling and other graduate studies will find they are exceptionally well prepared to take any required professional qualifying exam.

Some additional occupations available for students with a degree in biology include positions in agriculture, chemical and material testing and many industries.  For more information on career opportunities please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

+Admissions

Students with no prior college, please provide an official high school transcript or GED. Students with prior college credit  must submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges.

Send official transcripts to admissions@thomasu.edu.

Or

Admissions Office
Thomas University
1501 Millpond Road
Thomasville, GA 31792

Thomas University offers 18 different minors for students who are seeking a specific career focus. Listed below are some of the available minors related to Biology.

+Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Program at Thomas University is a collaborative learning environment dedicated to the sustainable use of natural resources.

Through course offerings, seminars, independent study and cooperative research with local governments and resource groups, this program provides a cross-disciplinary perspective on the political, legal, psychological, cultural, behavioral and societal forces that affect relations between people and the environment.

Humans are an integral component of the ecosystem and have the responsibility to alleviate global problems, such as natural resource depletion, environment degradation, biodiversity loss and poverty.

Students interested in natural resource protection, wildlife management or environmental issues take courses that deal with resource issues, such as conservation biology, ecology, field biology and environmental science. These and related subjects will prepare students for advanced study at the graduate level or for a career in resource management, environmental planning or environmental regulation with local, state, federal governments, or an environmental consulting firm.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MINOR

  • Environmental Science
  • Oceanography
  • Environmental Systems
  • Conservation Systems
  • Principles of Physical Science
CIP Code 26.0101

Environmental scientists and specialists work to gather, monitor and analyze information concerning environmental conditions to protect the environment and human health.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting an 11% increase in positions in this career field through 2026 (faster than average).

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

+Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is a marketable skill utilized in many careers. This exciting, hands-on skill has career potential in the following industries: military and defense, urban planning, utility and infrastructure, resource management, environmental studies, and emergency services. Students have access to the GAPP (Geospatial Analysis Planning & Preservation) Center, which contains state-of-the-art GIS and GPS (Global Positions System) technology.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) MINOR

  • Geography
  • GIS I
  • GIS II
  • GIS - Conservation
  • GIS Internship
CIP Code 26.0101

Individuals working with GIS systems study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants. They also examine political or cultural structures and study the physical and human geographic characteristics of regions ranging in scale from local to global.

GIS systems are used in a wide variety of careers including business, government, urban planning, utilities, resource management and emergency services.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

+Chemistry

Chemistry is the scientific study of properties and composition of matter and the laws that govern them. It is the foundation for many fields of studying including biology. A minor in chemistry at TU complements many fields of study preparing students for careers or graduate studies in life sciences, medicine or other health-related fields. Coursework is focused on inorganic, organic and biochemistry designed to enhance understanding of life processes.

CHEMISTRY MINOR

  • Chemistry I
  • Chemistry II
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • Biochemistry
CIP Code 26.0101
A minor in Chemistry prepares students for a wide variety of careers and graduate studies in life sciences, medicine (medical, pharmacy and veterinary) and other health-related careers as well as positions in agriculture and manufacturing. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Other Available Minors

Thomas University

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Thomasville, GA 31792
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