Biology, B.S., Pre-Veterinary Concentration

Department Contact Information

Chair: Dr. Justin Merry

Telephone: 814-471-1105

Email: jmerry@francis.edu

 

Coordinator: Dr. Katharine Criswell

Telephone: 814-472-3213

Email: kcriswell@francis.edu

Estimated Completion Time

4 years

Program Description

The Biology, B.S., Pre-Veterinary Medicine Concentration is a biology degree designed to prepare students for careers in veterinary medicine or related professional disciplines. This program is built around the entrance requirements for veterinary programs across the country. Students combine rigorous training in vertebrate anatomy and physiology with advanced study in microbiology and genetics. Students may use their biology electives to earn specialized training in animal nutrition, cell and molecular biology, or take a deeper dive into animal physiology. Includes specialized advising to help students navigate the highly competitive landscape of veterinary medicine programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Employ the scientific method, including the use of discipline-specific techniques, to discover and validate biological knowledge.
• Demonstrate scientific literacy through reading, writing, presenting, and discussing research.
• Demonstrate knowledge of how atoms and molecules interact to permit the function of living systems, and how cells sense, control, and respond to stimuli in their environments.
• Demonstrate knowledge of molecular genetics and how this leads to the expression and inheritance of traits.
• Explain how organisms reproduce and develop, how their anatomical structure permits function, how they maintain internal conditions, and how they sense and respond to external stimuli, across the full range of biological diversity.
• Describe how evolution by natural selection explains the unity and diversity of life on earth, and articulate how organisms interact at the population, community, and ecosystem levels.

Capstone Requirement

The senior capstone requirement is completed by taking BIOL 402 Evolution