Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 97
Program Student Learning Outcomes: PLO1 Communicate scientific information in a variety of formats to audiences of varying scientific sophistication in an appropriate scientific style. PLO2 Recognize, articulate, analyze, and synthesize the fundamental principles of molecular, cellular, and organismal biology, including genetics, biochemistry, ecology, etc., and relate to them the foundational principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. PLO3 Plan and implement a strategy to answer a scientific question; Demonstrate the ability to collect data using appropriate laboratory and field techniques, instrumentation, and methodology and to retrieve data from the scientific literature and from on-line databases; Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data to produce meaningful conclusions. PLO4 Apply ethical judgment in the review of experimental design, implementation, presentation, and collaboration as well as in the application of scientific technologies and to recognize ethical conflicts when they occur.
For Major Requirements, see Program Handbook and Curriculum Sheets. For Curriculum Sequence, see Program Handbook.
Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention
Program Admissions Requirements and Procedures: Biology applicants are required to have units in biology, chemistry, algebra I, algebra II and geometry or equivalent within the required 16 high school units. Students must submit at least one letter of recommendation from a science teacher and may be required to schedule an admissions interview.
Internal / External Transfers: Students transferring to the Biology Program at GMercyU from outside the institution must apply to the University and meet the minimum program requirements. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, students must submit a transcript, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency. Once accepted, students will meet with the program director to determine the anticipated time to degree completion based on the student’ s prior coursework.
Students transferring into the Biology Program from another program at GMercyU must meet with the program director to discuss the program and determine whether they qualify for acceptance into the program and, if so, the anticipated timeline to degree completion. If accepted, the student must submit a change-of-major form. At that time, they will be assigned an academic advisor who will work with them to plan their degree progress.
Academic Standards / Grade Requirements: A grade of“ C” or higher is required in each major course in the Natural Sciences Department. Students may achieve a grade lower than a“ C” in only two major courses, including mathematics requirements, and their prerequisites, and they may repeat these courses only once. If students achieve less than a“ C” grade on the third major course, or fail to bring all grades up to a“ C” with one repeat, they may be dismissed from the program, regardless of their cumulative grade point average.
Attendance Policies: Students are expected to adhere to the attendance policies outlined by course instructors in individual courses. Attendance is required in all laboratory courses.