The BS Biology program provides a holistic education for future biologists, researchers, scientists and scholars in the field. It utilizes an adaptive curriculum with three different tracks and varied teaching-learning strategies, modes of delivery and assessments.
Program curriculum
For the first two years of the BS Biology program, students must undertake General Education (GE) courses to develop higher-order thinking, critical analysis and other related academic skills intended to foster a culture of independent learning. The GE curriculum is a university-wide effort to use liberal education approaches to equip learners for advanced coursework and research later in the program.
Aside from GE courses, the first two years of the program also include lecture and laboratory courses in basic allied sciences such as Organic Chemistry, General Botany, General Zoology, and Biochemistry. These core courses are designed to develop key knowledge and skills in biology and other sciences.
The three tracks offered differ in their specialization areas, to wit:
- The Medical Biology (Med-Bio) track is designed to broaden the students’ knowledge and skills in the biological sciences. It is intended as a preparatory program for students who wish to pursue higher studies in Medical Science or under a Doctor of Medicine program.Practicum and internship is part of the BS BIO-MeB curriculum, which serves as the students’ exposure to an actual hospital working environment. This is a training that provides students the necessary skills needed as Physician Assistant and other allied health career upon graduation.
- The Microbiology (Mic-Bio) track provides foundational knowledge of biology in molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and organismal level. This track applies multidisciplinary methods to develop a holistic understanding of the human organism with emphasis in the following fields: Medical Parasitology, Pharmacology, Medical Microbiology, Medical Entomology, Radiation Biology and Pathophysiology.
- The Systematics track (Bio-Sys) also prepares students for graduate-level coursework in Biology specializing in plant, animal, molecular and microbial systematics. This track is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in a variety of technical, ecological and environmental research work.Preliminary skills in biomedical research is another major feature of this track. Students’ research skills are developed by training the students in appropriate research methodologies. A research colloquium is part of the curriculum where students will showcase their research outputs.
The BS Biology program also considers the well-being and work-life balance of the students. Throughout their stay in the university, they are encouraged to develop their own Wellness and Recreation Program (WRP). The WRP is an adaptive university-wide program wherein students can enlist in courses of various interest intended to develop their physiological and psycho-social fitness as well as encourage social responsibility and community involvement.
Teaching-Learning Approaches
The BS Biology program uses various teaching-learning approaches designed to respond to the needs of our students and to empower them as lifelong learners and professionals in the field of biology and scientific research. These approaches include the following:
- Student-centered learning
Following the University’s educational philosophy and learning paradigm, the BS Biology program uses dynamic and collaborative activities and methods which encourage active learning among our students. These include our laboratory activities, project supervision, oral presentations and fieldwork, among others.
The program recognizes the need to develop the students’ theoretical knowledge in biology and other related science disciplines, which can be facilitated through activities such as lectures, discussions and demonstrations.
- Interdisciplinary approach
The professional courses under BS Biology allows students to understand and adopt multi-disciplinal lenses from different allied scientific fields. Meanwhile, students are also exposed to the humanities and social science disciplines through the liberal structure of the GE curriculum.
In recognition of fast-paced technological advancements, the program utilizes online virtual classrooms, self-study modules, video presentations and other ubiquitous learning technologies. The University utilizes Canvas, a world-class learning management system, to facilitate this mode of delivery.
The program adopts the use of case studies, situational analysis and problem-solving tools in developing students’ critical thinking skills.
BS Biology encourages students to develop their research interests and undertake research endeavors (papers and presentations) throughout their stay in the program. This is designed to nurture their critical thinking skills and inherent curiosity towards scientific inquiry.
Assessment and research work
BS Biology has an array of assessments and assessment tasks based on the needs of the students. Under the tenet of academic freedom, teachers and students may freely negotiate their assessment tasks for the course. Teachers are also encouraged to develop relevant formative assessments designed to help learners prepare for capstone summative assessments.
Assessment tools and techniques include summative tests and quizzes, preparation of laboratory reports, case analysis, and practical examinations. Research work is also a common feature among majority of the courses, while the students are also required to perform return demonstration and defend their thesis before they complete the program.
Internship
Students must complete 200 hours of internship with our industry partners, such as: National Museum; FNRDI, Quezon City; Hospitals (QMMC, HGH, etc.); Biology Lab, UP Diliman; DENR; BPI; BOS; Manila Ocean Park; Manila Zoo; UST Lab; PNP Health Services Crime Lab.; National Ecology Center, Quezon City, and others.
These partners have existing memoranda of agreement (MOAs) with either the Institute of Arts and Sciences or the Department of Biology.
