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
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.
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:
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):
Trainer
Nurse
Cardiovascular Perfusionist
Nursing Assistant
Military medical corpsman
Orthopedic Technician
Dental Hygienist
Patient Care Technician
Dietician
Pharmacist
Trained Caregiver
Physical Therapist
EMT/Paramedic
Physical Therapist Asst.
Exercise Physiologist
X-Ray Technician
Foreign Medical Graduate - Physician
Ultrasound Technician
Home Health Care Aide
Respiratory Therapist
Phlebotomist
Surgical Technician
Medical Assisant
Midwife
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.
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
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.
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
