Dec 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology, Organismal Track, B.S.

College of Arts and Sciences

With a well-rounded education in biology, all tracks prepare undergraduates for entry into graduate schools, health related fields (medical, nursing, dentistry, veterinary) and the job market, including careers in scientific research, conservation, environmental law and policy, biotechnology, forensics, agriculture, education, science policy, non-profits, and local, state and federal agencies. The availability of various tracks allows students to tailor a degree program towards their specific interests.

Organismal biology is the study of the life of whole organisms from various perspectives such as structure, physiology, development, biodiversity, adaptability, and social or environmental interactions. Organismal courses focus on plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

See Biology  for more information.

Please review the Wisdom Core section included at the bottom of this program, which outlines the requirements to fulfill the Rockhurst Wisdom Core for all undergraduate students. When registering for classes, to find which courses will fulfill core requirements, search the Course Schedule by “Attribute Type”. The Course Schedule is located on the Rockhurst Registrar’s webpage at www.rockhurst/registrar. 

NOTE: Individual Programs of Study will vary in consultation with your Advisor and course/section availability each term. 

Biology Major Requirements

Major Field of Concentration

One elective from Environmental Systems Group:

Three electives from Organismal Group:

One elective from Molecular Group:

Select two electives

Note:

Students are urged to consult with the department regarding their program of study as early in their academic careers as they can (during freshman year if possible).

A grade of C or better is required in each upper-division course of the major as well as the 12 related hours of upper-division coursework. (A grade of C- will not satisfy the requirement.)

Below is the list of strongly recommended courses for students to take as related hours (Please note that Related major hours must be upper-division):

Wisdom Core Requirements

With few exceptions, Rockhurst undergraduate students are required to fulfill the following requirements of the Rockhurst Wisdom Core. To locate courses that fulfill specific wisdom core requirements, search the Course Schedule by “Attribute Type”.  The Course Schedule is located on the Rockhurst Registrar’s webpage at www.rockhurst/registrar.

Cornerstone Requirement:

Cornerstones courses introduce students to the Jesuit tradition and to the University through study, discussion, and reflection. Topics will vary. Students are encouraged to take the Cornerstone course during their first year at Rockhurst.

This 2 credit hour course may be offered through the College of Arts and Sciences (WCCA), the College of Business and Technology (WCCB), or Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences (WCCN), with a variety of content to be covered in each individual course.

The attribute code attached to any Cornerstone class is WCC.

Foundation Course Requirements: 37-40 hours

Foundations courses are lower division courses representing the traditional liberal arts and sciences disciplines that are highly valued within the Jesuit tradition. Transfer courses may be accepted to fulfill Foundation core requirements.

NW - Natural World

Complete one science class with a lab from biology, chemistry, physics, or natural sciences (4 hours)
HC - History and Culture: HCA

Complete one class from art, music, or theatre arts (3 hours)
HC - History and Culture: HCH

Complete one transnational history class (3 hours)
HC - History and Culture: HCL

Complete one class from literature in English or literature in Modern Languages (3 hours)
IS - Individuals and Society

Complete two classes from two different disciplines of: criminal justice, economics, psychology, sociology, or political science (6 hours)
UQ - Universal Questions: UQP 

Complete one philosophy course in ethical theory at 2000-level or above (3 hours)
UQ - Universal Questions: UQT

Complete one lower-level course in Theology & Religious Studies (3 hours)
UQ - Universal Questions

Complete one additional upper-level course from either theology or philosophy - this swing course may be a Rockhurst or transfer course. (3 hours)
EP - Eloquentia Perfecta: WC

Complete one or two written composition courses with WC attribute. (3 or 6 hours)

A student with an English ACT score over 24 may fulfill this requirement with EN 1140. (3 hours); OR

A student who does not have an English ACT score of 24 must complete EN 1110 and EN 1120. (6 hours)
EP - Eloquentia Perfecta: OC

Complete one oral communication course with OC attribute. (3 hours)
QR - Quantitative Reasoning

Complete one math course (3 hours)

 

Keystone Core Designations:

The Keystone designations are specific learning outcomes which students fulfill through Rockhurst upper-division courses, found primarily in the students’ major or minor program of study. No specific number of credits are required, but students are required to fulfill one of each of the seven Keystone designations. These courses emphasize skills listed in the “Core Rationale and Learning Goals,” such as Inquiry, Analysis, Critical Thinking, and Global Citizenship. 

Keystones can only be fulfilled through Rockhurst courses. 

Note: if a Keystone designation contains sub-core designations, the Keystone requirement may be fulfilled through either one of its subcore designations.

The seven Keystone designations are as follows:

KEYSTONE DESIGNATION CODE KEYSTONE DESCRIPTION SUB-CORE KEYSTONE DESIGNATIONS
IAC Inquiry, Analysis, and Critical Thinking Complete one course with either CT (Critical Thinking) or IA (Inquiry & Analysis) designation. Either designation will satisfy IAC.
IQL Information and Quantitative Literacy Complete one course with either IF (Information Fluency) or QL (Quantitative Literacy) designation. Either designation will satisfy IQL.
ACI Artistic/Creative & Innovative Expression Complete one course with either AE (Artistic Expression) or IV (Innovation) designation. Either designation will satisfy ACI.
CC Communication and Collaboration Skills Complete one course with either CM (Communication Skills) or CO (Collaboration Skills) designation. Either designation will satisfy CC.
IAS Intercultural Awareness and Sensitivity  Complete one course with the IAS designation.
GC Global Citizenship Complete one course with the GC designation.
ESE Ethical Reasoning & Social Engagement Complete one course with either ER (Ethical Reasoning & Action) or SK (Social Knowledge & Engagement) designation. Either designation will satisfy ESE.

 

Threshold Experiences

Before graduation, students are required to engage in at least one course or experience certified as using a high impact practice. Students must complete one of the following Threshold Experiences at Rockhurst:

 

WI Writing-Intensive
ID Interdisciplinary
UR Undergraduate Research
IN Internship
TSL Threshold Service Learning Experience
RP Reflective Portfolios
SA Study Abroad