The Honors in Biology option is designed to add a rigorous independent research component to the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology to better prepare students for graduate and professional schools or for research-oriented laboratory work.
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B.S. in Biology, Honors

Degree Overview

Students completing the Honors-in-Biology option are required to complete the requirements listed for the Bachelor of Science in Biology major and the following courses; however, BL 491E-W also fulfills three semester hours of the upper division biology elective requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Biology major.

A degree in biology will teach students the nature of scientific inquiry, the fundamentals of modern biology (from molecules to ecosystems), and how to put that knowledge into the larger context of the students' lives. The recognition that inquiry is at the heart of science means that we not only strive to teach students biology but we strive to teach students how to be responsible biologists.

Program Requirements

Listed below are the required courses for completion of this degree at Regis University. Please note that recent course requirement updates may not be reflected in the list below and you should contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126 for recent changes and updates.

This degree program requires 128.00 credit hours for completion. Please contact your advisor or the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126.

Regis College: Core Requirements

Economics

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3-6 SH)
Take 1 of the following groups:
Group 1: EC 200 - Intro to the American Economy
Group 2: EC 320 - Principles of Macroeconomics
and
EC 330 - Principles of Microeconomics

EN 250 - Literature Matters

Introduces the literary genres of poetry, fiction, and drama, with an emphasis on works that have had a profound influence on our world. Students will write a series of analytical essays, including at least one research essay.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RCC*200

Fine Arts

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3SH)
Take three (3) semester hours of Fine Arts
from the following courses:
any 200-level FAC course, FAHS 211, FAHS 212

Foreign Lang

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(6-8SH)
Take two classes in one language

Foundational

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(6 SH)
Take 1 of the following groups:
Group 1: RCC 200 - Writing Analytically (Fall)
Communicative Intensive (Spring)
Group 2: Commitment Program Students
RCC 200A - Writing Analytically A (Fall)
RCC 200B - Writing Analytically B (Spring)
Group 3: Honors Program Students
RCC 200H - Honors Writing Seminar (Fall)
RCC 300H - Honors Trad & Innovation (Spring)

History

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3SH)
Three (3) credits from any 200-level History course

Integrative

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(12SH)
Take all of the following courses:
RCC 400D (Group 1), RCC 410E (Group 2),
RCC 420J (Group 3), RCC 430M (Group 4)

Mathematics

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3-4SH)
Take one of the following Mathematics course:
MT 201, MT 204, MT 270, MT 270C, MT 272, MT 272C
MT 360A, MT 360B

Natural Sci

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(4SH)
Take one Natural Science course (Group 1) with the
accompanying lab (Group 2).
Eligible courses include:
BL( 204/5E-W, 208/9, 216/17, 260/1, 262/3), ENVS 250/1,
GE 208/9, PH (202A, 205A, 304A, 305A), NS 260/1
AS 250/1 (Non-Science majors)

Philosophy

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3SH)
Take one of the following Philosophy courses:
PL 270, PL 270C, PL 270H, PL 270P

Public Speak

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3SH)
Speech Communication

Religious Stdy

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3SH)
Any 300 level RT course

RT 201 - Religion and the Human Quest

Considering human existence in relation to the sacred and drawing on Eastern and Western religious traditions, this course explores religious perspectives on human questions about life, suffering, goodness, and ultimacy.

Cross listing(s): RT 201C.

Social Sci

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3SH)
Take three (3) semester hours from the following course list
ED 204, POL 215, POL 231, POL 241, PY 250, PY 250C, PY 250H,
SO 200, SO 200C, SO 203, AN/SO 204, PJ 200

RC: BS in Biology-Lower Division

BL 260 - Principles of Bio: Molecular & Cellular

Introduces students to natural science, particularly the hypothesis testing and data analysis used in contemporary molecular and cellular biology. Develops student knowledge of the terms and concepts of cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. Highlights social and ethical issues. NOTE: Designed for Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Studies, and Neuroscience majors, as well as for pre-medical and other pre-health-science students. This course has been approved to satisfy the core natural science with laboratory requirement when taken with BL 261 or BL 261H. Offered every Spring Semester. Corequisite(s): BL 261 or BL 261H.

BL 261 - Molecular/Cellular Biology Laboratory

Introduces students to scientific study design, primary literature, basic laboratory skills, data interpretation, and presentation of scientific results. Involves exercises reinforcing lecture content and includes work with recombinant DNA. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week. Co-requisite(s): BL 260 except for students with AP high school credit for BL 260.

BL 262 - Principles of Biology: Organismic

Introduces students to natural science, particularly the hypothesis testing and data analysis used in contemporary organismic biology. Develops student knowledge of the terms and concepts of ecology, evolution, and biodiversity. Highlights social and ethical issues.

BL 263 - Organismic Biology Laboratory

Introduces students to scientific study design, primary literature, basic laboratory skills, data interpretation, and presentation of scientific results. Involves exercises reinforcing lecture content. Includes dissection of representative organisms and fieldwork.

CH 210 - Principles of Chemistry I

Introduces chemical and physical properties of matter, atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, thermodynamics and aqueous chemistry.

CH 211 - Principles of Chemistry I Lab

Introduces fundamental laboratory techniques including chromatography, chemical synthesis, spectroscopy and acid/base chemistry.

CH 230 - Principles of Chemistry II

Continuation of CH 210. Examines the following fundamental chemical principles: equilibrium theory; acid-based chemistry; chemical kinetics; thermodynamics; and electrochemistry. Additional special topics may include transition metal chemistry, the chemistry of new materials, nuclear chemistry, and geochemistry.

Pre-requisite: CH*210

CH 231 - Principles of Chemistry II Lab

A continuation of fundamental lab techniques including chromatography, chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, and acid/base chemistry.

Pre-requisite: CH*211

CH 250 - Organic Chemistry I

Studies the molecular structure of organic compounds, their functional groups, physical properties, and the relationship between structure and reactivity. Introduces the principles of reaction thermodynamics and kinetics.

Pre-requisite: TAKE CH*230 AND CH*231;

CH 251 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

Investigates techniques used to separate, purify and identify organic compounds. Laboratory fee required.

Pre-requisite: TAKE CH*230 AND CH*231;

MT 272 - Statistics for the Life Sciences

Presents introductory statistics emphasizing application in biology, psychology, neuroscience, and kinesiology. Includes descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, regression, t-tests, Chi-square, and ANOVA with particular emphasis to analysis using p-scores.

Cross listing(s): MT 272C.

Physics

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(8SH)
Take one of the following options for physics:
Group 1: PH 202A, PH 205A, PH 202B, PH 205B
Group 2: PH 304A, PH 305A, PH 304B, PH 305B

RC: Honors BS in Biology-Upper Division

BL 402 - Principles of Ecology

Explores the interactions of organisms in the context of their biotic and abiotic environments. Examines the basic models and principles used in evolutionary, behavioral, population, community, and ecosystem ecology.

Pre-requisite: BL*260 BL*262 MT*272

Cross listing(s): ENVS 402.

BL 403 - Ecology Laboratory

Involves research design and the collection, evaluation, and statistical analysis of ecological data in the laboratory and in the field.

Pre-requisite: BL*261 BL*263 MT*272

Cross listing(s): ENVS 403.

BL 414 - Principles of Genetics

Explores concepts of heredity, including the structure, replication, transmission and expression of genes from the DNA of chromosomes. Interprets genetic phenomena at different levels of organization, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. NOTE: Required for all Biology majors.

Pre-requisite: BL*260 AND BL*262

BL 415 - Genetics Laboratory

Involves research design and the collection, evaluation, and analysis of genetic data in computer simulations and in the laboratory.

Pre-requisite: BL*261 BL*263

BL 491E-W - Undergraduate Research in Biology

Offers an opportunity for laboratory or field research under faculty direction. Requires oral or poster presentation. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. NOTE: Requires a time commitment of approximately 4-8 hours per week. Does not satisfy the upper division laboratory requirements for any major or minor.

Pre-requisite: BL*260 BL*261 BL*262 BL*263

BL 494 - Seminar in Biology, Society and Ethics

Surveys bioethical controversies in the context of justice and the common good, and assists students in developing their own coherent and informed bioethical positions. Introduces Biology-Major learning outcomes. NOTE: Required for all Biology majors. Sophomore standing required.

Pre-requisite: BL*260 BL*262

BL 495 - Seminar in Biology Research Literature

Develops student facility with reading, interpretation, and oral presentation of articles from the primary biolgical literature. Includes resume development, cover letter construction, and development fo an initial Biology-Major outcomes portfolio.

Pre-requisite: BL*260 AND BL*262

BL 496 - Biology Research Colloquium

Explores biology as a dynamic discipline via research seminar attendance and reading associated scientific literature. Covers a broad range of biological topics. Includes a discussion of research design.

Pre-requisite: TAKE BL*260 AND BL*262;

CH 420 - Organic Chemistry II

Comprehensive survey of organic chemical reactions and their mechanisms. Covers spectroscopic techniques including NMR, IR, and MS. Introduces biomolecules such as peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Includes multi-step organic synthesis.

Pre-requisite: CH*250

CH 421 - Organic Chemistry II Lab

Synthesis of selected organic compounds and identification by spectroscopic methods. Includes multi-step organic synthesis.

Pre-requisite: CH*251

Electives

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(11SH)
Eleven (11) upper division semester hours
from Biology (BL). The upper division electives
must include a minimum of one upper division
laboratory course.
Or completion of an optional specialization.

Thesis

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

BL 499A- Senior Thesis I
and
BL 499B- Senior Thesis II
(Senior Thesis is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis)

Course Descriptions

Listed below are the available courses offered at Regis University within this respective degree program. The courses below include the degree program requirements as well as subject related courses. Please contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126 for recent changes and updates. No course descriptions found.

How to Apply

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