Health & Medical Fields
Prepare for medicine, physician assistant, pharmacy, occupational therapy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, and allied health pathways.
Biology is the study of life — from the mechanics of a single cell to the dynamics of entire ecosystems. At Batten University, that study happens in labs, on the water, and in the field.
The Biology Department integrates molecular biology, evolutionary science, and the study of plant and animal communities in their environments. The curriculum is built around discovery and problem solving through scientific methodology, with most courses featuring an integrated laboratory component.
Every Biology student completes a mandatory experiential learning requirement — undergraduate research, an internship, a study away field course, or enrollment at a biological or marine field station. Both the B.A. and B.S. prepare students for advanced study in the health sciences and biological research.
Requirements
BIO 130
Principles of Biology I: Ecology & Evolution
4 hrs
BIO 132
Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4 hrs
BIO 200
Principles of Biology III: The Diversity of Life
4 hrs
BIO 288
Genetics
4 hrs
Ecological and Environmental Biology
One of: BIO 316 General Ecology · BIO 340 Tropical Marine Biology · BIO 355 Marine Ecology
4 hrs
Evolutionary and Integrative Biology
One of: BIO 372 Comparative Anatomy · BIO 373 Marine Invertebrate Zoology · BIO 377 Entomology & Arachnology · BIO 380 Comparative Animal Physiology · BIO 410 Evolution
4 hrs
Cellular and Molecular Biology
One of: BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology · BIO 482 Microbiology
4 hrs
Experiential Learning
One of: BIO 470 Internship in the Natural Sciences · BIO 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
4 hrs
BIO Electives
Two electives at the 300/400 level (excluding BIO 475)
8 hrs
CHEM 120
Introductory Chemistry
4 hrs
Chemistry Elective
One of: CHEM 200 Inorganic · CHEM 210 Analytical · CHEM 221 Organic · CHEM 270 Environmental
4 hrs
Total Hours Required
48
*The MFAT exam is required as part of BIO 470 and BIO 489. Students not majoring in Biology who intend to apply to medical or professional school requiring two introductory labs must take BIO 132 and BIO 200.
BIO 130
Principles of Biology I: Ecology & Evolution
4 hrs
BIO 132
Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4 hrs
BIO 200
Principles of Biology III: The Diversity of Life
4 hrs
BIO 288
Genetics
4 hrs
Ecological and Environmental Biology
One of: BIO 316 General Ecology · BIO 340 Tropical Marine Biology · BIO 355 Marine Ecology
4 hrs
Evolutionary and Integrative Biology
One of: BIO 372 Comparative Anatomy · BIO 373 Marine Invertebrate Zoology · BIO 377 Entomology & Arachnology · BIO 380 Comparative Animal Physiology · BIO 410 Evolution
4 hrs
Cellular and Molecular Biology
One of: BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology · BIO 482 Microbiology
4 hrs
Experiential Learning
One of: BIO 470 Internship in the Natural Sciences · BIO 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
4 hrs
BIO Electives
Two electives at the 300/400 level (excluding BIO 460 and BIO 475)
8 hrs
CHEM 120
Introductory Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 200
Inorganic Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 221
Organic Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 222
Organic Chemistry II
4 hrs
Science Electives
Two of: CHEM 210 Analytical · CHEM 330 Biochemistry · EES 270 Environmental Chemistry · EES 300 GIS · EES 450 Biogeochemistry · MATH 171 Calculus I · MATH 172 Calculus II · PHYS 221 University Physics I · PHYS 222 University Physics II
8 hrs
Total Hours Required
64
*The MFAT exam is required as part of BIO 470 and BIO 489. Students not majoring in Biology who intend to apply to medical or professional school requiring two introductory labs must take BIO 132 and BIO 200.
Students not majoring in Biology who intend to apply to medical or professional school requiring two introductory labs must take BIO 132 and BIO 200.
BIO 130
Principles of Biology I: Ecology & Evolution
4 hrs
BIO 132
Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4 hrs
BIO Elective
One elective at the 200 level or higher (excluding BIO 475)
4 hrs
BIO Electives
Two electives at the 300/400 level (excluding BIO 475)
8 hrs
Total Hours Required
20
The Marine Science minor offers an interdisciplinary study of ocean environments — physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. It pairs well with a wide range of major programs.
EES 200
Oceanography
4 hrs
BIO 355
Marine Ecology
4 hrs
Marine Electives
Three of: BIO 340 Tropical Marine Biology · BIO 354 Marine Invertebrate Evolution · BIO 373 Marine Invertebrate Zoology · BIO/EES 489 Research* · EES 300 GIS · EES 340 Climatology · EES 450 Biogeochemistry
12 hrs
Total Hours Required
20
*Requires approval from the department chair of either Biology or Earth and Environmental Sciences to ensure marine science-related content.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology tackles some of society's biggest challenges — from medical and pharmaceutical technologies to agriculture and the environment. Open to all majors; Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics students are especially encouraged.
CourseHrs.
BIO 132 Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4
BIO 288 Genetics
4
CHEM 330 Biochemistry
4
MATH 210 Introductory Statistics
4
MATH 310 Statistical Models
4
Select one
BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology
4
CHEM 438 Advanced Biochemistry
4
Select one
BIO 395 Fluorescence Microscopy
2
BIO 424 Topics in Molecular Techniques
2–4
BIO/CHEM/MATH 470 Internship
2–4
BIO/CHEM/MATH 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
2–4
Total Credit Hours
26–28
Advanced & Applied Microscopy
Recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency with multiple forms of advanced modern microscopy and can apply that knowledge to investigate natural phenomena. Students must complete an independent research project applying at least one form of advanced microscopy.
CourseHrs.
Complete 8 hours of microscopy coursework
BIO 393 Scanning Electron Microscopy
2
EES 394 Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis
2
BIO 395 Fluorescence Microscopy
2
CHEM 396 Infrared Microscopy
2
BIO 397 Advanced Light Microscopy
2
BIO 399 Histotechnique
2
Independent research
BIO/CHEM/EES 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
4
Additional requirements (non-credit)
Proficiency exams for each instrument used (minimum 4) + comprehensive written exam
—
Attend at least one Careers in Microscopy workshop
—
Total Credit Hours
20
Graduate & Dual Degree Pathways
Biology students have access to guaranteed, early, and priority admission pathways to graduate and professional programs through Batten University's partnership agreements. Contact your advisor for current eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
EVMS Health Sciences Programs
Early Assurance & Early AdmissionPathways to the MD, MPA, MSA, MAS, MHS, MPH, MS Biomedical Sciences, MS Laboratory Animal Science, MS Art Therapy & Counseling, and Master of Physician Assistant programs.
Shenandoah University
Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy
Priority Admission 3+3 / 3+4Up to five Batten students per year receive priority status for the PharmD program or the combined PharmD + MBA pathway.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering & Technology
Guaranteed AdmissionPre-Engineering pathway to MS programs in Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering, plus Modeling & Simulation.
Washington University in St. Louis
School of Medicine — Occupational Therapy
Dual Degree 3+2 / 3+3Earn a B.S. from Batten and an MS or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from one of the nation's top-ranked OT programs in five or six years.
William & Mary — VIMS
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Preferred AdmissionOne reserved seat per year — including an annual scholarship — for a Batten Honors College graduate meeting admission criteria for the Master of Arts in Marine Science.
Sentara College of Health Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing
Guaranteed AdmissionStudents from any major who complete prerequisite courses may apply for guaranteed admission to Sentara's Entry to Nursing Practice Master's program. Up to two students per year.
Duke University
Nicholas School of the Environment
Dual Degree 3+2The Cooperative College Program allows students to complete a Bachelor's degree at Batten and a Master of Environmental Management or Master of Forestry at Duke in five years.
Chatham University
Falk School of Sustainability and the Environment
Priority AdmissionPriority admission to the Master's in Food Studies, Master of Sustainability, or combined MSUS + MBA and MAFS + MBA programs.
Career Outcomes
Research & Biotechnology
Build lab experience for graduate school, biomedical research, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and laboratory science roles.
Ecology & Conservation
Study organisms, habitats, biodiversity, marine biology, animal behavior, and environmental systems.
Education, Communication & Policy
Pair biology with education, science writing, public health, law, policy, or nonprofit work.
Faculty
Maynard Schaus
Professor of Biology and Environmental Science,Director of Academic Effectiveness and Accreditation ,Chair of Computer Science and Cybersecurity,Coordinator of Sustainability Management
757-455-3284
225 Greer Environmental Sciences Center
Soraya Bartol
Professor of Marine Biology
Chair of Biology,Kenneth R. Perry Dean, Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics ,&
Natural Sciences
757-455-3372
220 Greer Environmental Sciences Center
Biology is the study of life — from the mechanics of a single cell to the dynamics of entire ecosystems. At Batten University, that study happens in labs, on the water, and in the field.
The Biology Department integrates molecular biology, evolutionary science, and the study of plant and animal communities in their environments. The curriculum is built around discovery and problem solving through scientific methodology, with most courses featuring an integrated laboratory component.
Every Biology student completes a mandatory experiential learning requirement — undergraduate research, an internship, a study away field course, or enrollment at a biological or marine field station. Both the B.A. and B.S. prepare students for advanced study in the health sciences and biological research.
Requirements
BIO 130
Principles of Biology I: Ecology & Evolution
4 hrs
BIO 132
Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4 hrs
BIO 200
Principles of Biology III: The Diversity of Life
4 hrs
BIO 288
Genetics
4 hrs
Ecological and Environmental Biology
One of: BIO 316 General Ecology · BIO 340 Tropical Marine Biology · BIO 355 Marine Ecology
4 hrs
Evolutionary and Integrative Biology
One of: BIO 372 Comparative Anatomy · BIO 373 Marine Invertebrate Zoology · BIO 377 Entomology & Arachnology · BIO 380 Comparative Animal Physiology · BIO 410 Evolution
4 hrs
Cellular and Molecular Biology
One of: BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology · BIO 482 Microbiology
4 hrs
Experiential Learning
One of: BIO 470 Internship in the Natural Sciences · BIO 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
4 hrs
BIO Electives
Two electives at the 300/400 level (excluding BIO 475)
8 hrs
CHEM 120
Introductory Chemistry
4 hrs
Chemistry Elective
One of: CHEM 200 Inorganic · CHEM 210 Analytical · CHEM 221 Organic · CHEM 270 Environmental
4 hrs
Total Hours Required
48
*The MFAT exam is required as part of BIO 470 and BIO 489. Students not majoring in Biology who intend to apply to medical or professional school requiring two introductory labs must take BIO 132 and BIO 200.
BIO 130
Principles of Biology I: Ecology & Evolution
4 hrs
BIO 132
Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4 hrs
BIO 200
Principles of Biology III: The Diversity of Life
4 hrs
BIO 288
Genetics
4 hrs
Ecological and Environmental Biology
One of: BIO 316 General Ecology · BIO 340 Tropical Marine Biology · BIO 355 Marine Ecology
4 hrs
Evolutionary and Integrative Biology
One of: BIO 372 Comparative Anatomy · BIO 373 Marine Invertebrate Zoology · BIO 377 Entomology & Arachnology · BIO 380 Comparative Animal Physiology · BIO 410 Evolution
4 hrs
Cellular and Molecular Biology
One of: BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology · BIO 482 Microbiology
4 hrs
Experiential Learning
One of: BIO 470 Internship in the Natural Sciences · BIO 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
4 hrs
BIO Electives
Two electives at the 300/400 level (excluding BIO 460 and BIO 475)
8 hrs
CHEM 120
Introductory Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 200
Inorganic Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 221
Organic Chemistry
4 hrs
CHEM 222
Organic Chemistry II
4 hrs
Science Electives
Two of: CHEM 210 Analytical · CHEM 330 Biochemistry · EES 270 Environmental Chemistry · EES 300 GIS · EES 450 Biogeochemistry · MATH 171 Calculus I · MATH 172 Calculus II · PHYS 221 University Physics I · PHYS 222 University Physics II
8 hrs
Total Hours Required
64
*The MFAT exam is required as part of BIO 470 and BIO 489. Students not majoring in Biology who intend to apply to medical or professional school requiring two introductory labs must take BIO 132 and BIO 200.
Students not majoring in Biology who intend to apply to medical or professional school requiring two introductory labs must take BIO 132 and BIO 200.
BIO 130
Principles of Biology I: Ecology & Evolution
4 hrs
BIO 132
Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4 hrs
BIO Elective
One elective at the 200 level or higher (excluding BIO 475)
4 hrs
BIO Electives
Two electives at the 300/400 level (excluding BIO 475)
8 hrs
Total Hours Required
20
The Marine Science minor offers an interdisciplinary study of ocean environments — physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. It pairs well with a wide range of major programs.
EES 200
Oceanography
4 hrs
BIO 355
Marine Ecology
4 hrs
Marine Electives
Three of: BIO 340 Tropical Marine Biology · BIO 354 Marine Invertebrate Evolution · BIO 373 Marine Invertebrate Zoology · BIO/EES 489 Research* · EES 300 GIS · EES 340 Climatology · EES 450 Biogeochemistry
12 hrs
Total Hours Required
20
*Requires approval from the department chair of either Biology or Earth and Environmental Sciences to ensure marine science-related content.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology tackles some of society's biggest challenges — from medical and pharmaceutical technologies to agriculture and the environment. Open to all majors; Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics students are especially encouraged.
CourseHrs.
BIO 132 Principles of Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
4
BIO 288 Genetics
4
CHEM 330 Biochemistry
4
MATH 210 Introductory Statistics
4
MATH 310 Statistical Models
4
Select one
BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology
4
CHEM 438 Advanced Biochemistry
4
Select one
BIO 395 Fluorescence Microscopy
2
BIO 424 Topics in Molecular Techniques
2–4
BIO/CHEM/MATH 470 Internship
2–4
BIO/CHEM/MATH 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
2–4
Total Credit Hours
26–28
Advanced & Applied Microscopy
Recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency with multiple forms of advanced modern microscopy and can apply that knowledge to investigate natural phenomena. Students must complete an independent research project applying at least one form of advanced microscopy.
CourseHrs.
Complete 8 hours of microscopy coursework
BIO 393 Scanning Electron Microscopy
2
EES 394 Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis
2
BIO 395 Fluorescence Microscopy
2
CHEM 396 Infrared Microscopy
2
BIO 397 Advanced Light Microscopy
2
BIO 399 Histotechnique
2
Independent research
BIO/CHEM/EES 489 Research in the Natural Sciences
4
Additional requirements (non-credit)
Proficiency exams for each instrument used (minimum 4) + comprehensive written exam
—
Attend at least one Careers in Microscopy workshop
—
Total Credit Hours
20
Graduate & Dual Degree Pathways
Biology students have access to guaranteed, early, and priority admission pathways to graduate and professional programs through Batten University's partnership agreements. Contact your advisor for current eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
EVMS Health Sciences Programs
Early Assurance & Early AdmissionPathways to the MD, MPA, MSA, MAS, MHS, MPH, MS Biomedical Sciences, MS Laboratory Animal Science, MS Art Therapy & Counseling, and Master of Physician Assistant programs.
Shenandoah University
Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy
Priority Admission 3+3 / 3+4Up to five Batten students per year receive priority status for the PharmD program or the combined PharmD + MBA pathway.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering & Technology
Guaranteed AdmissionPre-Engineering pathway to MS programs in Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering, plus Modeling & Simulation.
Washington University in St. Louis
School of Medicine — Occupational Therapy
Dual Degree 3+2 / 3+3Earn a B.S. from Batten and an MS or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from one of the nation's top-ranked OT programs in five or six years.
William & Mary — VIMS
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Preferred AdmissionOne reserved seat per year — including an annual scholarship — for a Batten Honors College graduate meeting admission criteria for the Master of Arts in Marine Science.
Sentara College of Health Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing
Guaranteed AdmissionStudents from any major who complete prerequisite courses may apply for guaranteed admission to Sentara's Entry to Nursing Practice Master's program. Up to two students per year.
Duke University
Nicholas School of the Environment
Dual Degree 3+2The Cooperative College Program allows students to complete a Bachelor's degree at Batten and a Master of Environmental Management or Master of Forestry at Duke in five years.
Chatham University
Falk School of Sustainability and the Environment
Priority AdmissionPriority admission to the Master's in Food Studies, Master of Sustainability, or combined MSUS + MBA and MAFS + MBA programs.
Career Outcomes
Health & Medical Fields
Prepare for medicine, physician assistant, pharmacy, occupational therapy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, and allied health pathways.
Research & Biotechnology
Build lab experience for graduate school, biomedical research, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and laboratory science roles.
Ecology & Conservation
Study organisms, habitats, biodiversity, marine biology, animal behavior, and environmental systems.
Education, Communication & Policy
Pair biology with education, science writing, public health, law, policy, or nonprofit work.
Faculty
Maynard Schaus
Professor of Biology and Environmental Science,Director of Academic Effectiveness and Accreditation ,Chair of Computer Science and Cybersecurity,Coordinator of Sustainability Management
757-455-3284
225 Greer Environmental Sciences Center
Soraya Bartol
Professor of Marine Biology
Chair of Biology,Kenneth R. Perry Dean, Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics ,&
Natural Sciences
757-455-3372
220 Greer Environmental Sciences Center