Program Description
The BS Biology program provides a well-rounded education in the life sciences, with equivalent emphasis on plant, animal and microbial fields. Students are introduced to the basic subjects of Zoology and Botany in their freshman year to serve as springboard for more specialized subjects such as Genetics, Physiology and Embryology in their next two years. The program also stresses the importance of biological research and inculcates basic skills in research methods and experimental work via consecutive Bioresearch subjects. Biology major is exposed to the different aspects of Biology through lectures, laboratory works, research and field trips. The program not only gives students a firm foothold of the underlying principles of biology. It also relates learning to present-day social and environmental issues such as population control, genetics and heredity, environmental preservation, or breakthroughs in the medical frontier.
The Molecular Biology and Biotechnology track aims to broaden the options for students trained in Biology to include careers in biotechnology research, the academia, industry, and innovation start-ups. The program will be developing in students biotechnology skills in the laboratory and in accessing and analyzing big data from open access DNA, RNA and protein repositories, to enable them to actively participate as movers and leaders of the biomolecular revolution in the Philippines. The program is heavily anchored on biological theory and the developments in the local, regional and global health and wellness, agriculture and environment industries. Instruction in the five specialization courses – molecular genetics, proteomics & genomics, bioinformatics, agricultural biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology & enterprise – will focus on gene structure, function and expression, and their applications to medical and industrial microbiology, physiology, developmental biology, molecular diagnosis of diseases, screening and characterization of natural products and molecular ecology and systematics. The program is designed to foster multi-disciplinary & multi-level mentoring and the integration of instruction, research & extension activities.The Medical Biology track provides a strong foundation in the concepts and applications of the biological sciences, and excellent laboratory and research skills for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical or paramedical field. Students are exposed to the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of microbial, parasitic, arthropod-related as well as non-infectious diseases. The courses also tackle the epidemiology and immune responses to these diseases.
Goals and Objectives of the BS Biology Program
The BS Biology program aims to develop and produce graduates who are well grounded on the fundamental concepts and principles in the biological sciences, continuously abreast with developments in the different fields of biological studies, intellectually capable, morally upright, and with a strong sense of ethical behavior and service to society. It aims to produce competent professionals in the academe, research and industry, who are reflective life-long learners and are equipped to pursue studies in the graduate or medical school.
Rationale for the revision of the Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum
The enhancement of the Basic Education Curriculum led to the revision of the Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum. The Department of Biology offers three (3) tracks, namely: (1) Medical Biology; (2) Systematics and Ecology; and (3) Molecular Biology and Biotechnology within the BS in Biology curriculum starting Academic Year 2018-2019. Each track requires a total of 25 units of specialization courses translated into 5 courses with both lecture and laboratory components in addition to the core requirements of the program and university requirements.
The specialization courses create a commitment between students and their topic of study within the biology major. These also provide structure to electives to assist students’ development in their fields of interest. Moreover, the specialized courses in each track provide expertise in a field within biology for students seeking admission to graduate school, medical school or other programs.
