Biology (BS)
The Program of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology aspires to prepare professionals able to understand the biological processes, with a multidisciplinary approach. It provides the experiences that will help them to identify, analyze and solve problems of a biological nature being by using the scientific method. It causes the development of knowledge, laboratory skills and attitudes to exercise the profession with ethical, critical and creative responsibility. It prepares them to face work scenarios or to continue graduate studies.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology has the following goals and objectives.
All campuses are authorized to offer this Program. In addition, the Fajardo Campus is authorized to offer this program through online education.
Program Goals
- To develop professionals in the field of Biology centered in the mastery of the knowledge of the discipline by means of a multidisciplinary and integrating approach, framed in a scientific and humanistic culture.
- To promote scientific research, the management of information and the use of technology as a means of producing and development knowledge in the field of Biology.
- To promote the solution of problems related to the field of the Biology framed in ethical and social responsibility.
- To foment continuing education as a means to maintain the professional competencies in the field of Biology in the different academic and labor scenes updated.
Program Objectives
- To apply the knowledge of the discipline by means of a multidisciplinary and integrating approach in different contexts related to the field of Biology.
- To use scientific research, management of information and the use of the technology as a means of developing knowledge in the field of Biology.
- To use the scientific method in a critical and creative way in the solution of problems related to the field of Biology, with ethical and social responsibility.
- To recognize the importance of continuing education as means for development and professional performance in the field of Biology.
In order to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Sciences in Biology, students must obtain a minimum grade of C in the Biology courses (BIOL) that are part of the Major Requirements and the Prescribed Distributive Requirements.
Competencies Profile of Graduates
The Program is designed to develop the competencies that will enable students to:
Knowledge
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- concepts of molecular, cellular and organismal biology and the metabolic processes to maintain homeostasis.
- concepts of classic, molecular and population genetics integrated to the evolutionary processes and biodiversity.
- phylogenetical, taxonomical, anatomical and physiological principles of the main plant, animal and microorganism groups and their interaction in the ecosystems.
Skills
- Apply the scientific method and the use of technology to design and to perform experiments using laboratory equipment and the suitable techniques in a critical and creative way.
- Communicate in an oral and written form the results of laboratory experiences or research using the scientific format.
Attitudes
- Demonstrate esteem for the scientific culture and its ethical and social implications in the solution of problems and decision making related to the conservation of natural and environmental resources.
- Show the importance of staying updated in the knowledge related to the discipline of Biology.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
| General Education Requirements |
42 credits |
| Major Requirements |
36 credits |
| Related Requirements |
29-30 credits |
| Prescribed Distributive Requirements |
12 credits |
| Elective Courses |
3 credits |
| Total |
122-123 credits |
General Education Requirements - 42 credits
Forty-two (42) credits are required as explained in the section “General Education Requirements for Bachelors’ Degrees.” Students are exempt from taking courses from the category Scientific and Technological Context and course GEHP 3000 - Integral Health and Quality of Life of the category of Health and Quality of Life. The students of this Program will take GEMA 1200 in the category Basic Skills in Mathematics.
Major Requirements - 36 credits
Related Requirements - 29 or 30 credits
Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 12 credits
Students will select 12 credits from the following courses: