Biology - Biostatistics Option, Bachelor of Science
Department website: https://www.atu.edu/bioearthsciences/
Pursuing a biology degree with a focus on biostatistics provides graduates with a solid foundation for a variety of high-demand, well-paying jobs across numerous industries. Additionally, some graduates may choose to pursue careers in teaching, leveraging their strong biostatistical background to educate the next generation of students. Students who choose the biostatical option will develop proficiency in statistical theory, data analysis, and computational tools, gaining hands-on experience through coursework and research projects that address real-world biological and medical questions. This program prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including roles in biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, public health, and environmental science, as well as positions within governmental and non-governmental organizations that rely on data-driven decision-making. Additionally, students will be equipped to contribute to advancements in clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and genetic research. The rigorous training in both biology and statistics also provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue advanced degrees, ensuring they are well-prepared for entry into competitive graduate programs in biostatistics, bioinformatics, and related fields.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| BIOL 1011 | Orientation to the Biological Sciences | 1 |
| BIOL 1114 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 2124 & CHEM 2120 |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| ENGL 1013 | Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 1113 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 2124 | Principles of Zoology | 4 |
| CHEM 2134 & CHEM 2130 |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| ENGL 1023 | Composition II | 3 |
| USHG 1XXX | U.S. History and Government 1 | 3 |
| STAT 2163 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 2134 | Principles of Botany | 4 |
| CHEM 3254 | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| PHYS 2014 & PHYS 2000 |
Algebra-Based Physics I and Physics Laboratory I |
4 |
| PSY 2003 or SOC 1003 |
General Psychology or Introductory Sociology |
3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 3264 | Mechanistic Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| COMM 2003 or COMM 2173 |
Public Speaking or Business and Professional Speaking |
3 |
| PHYS 2024 & PHYS 2010 |
Algebra-Based Physics II and Physics Laboratory II |
4 |
| STAT 2304 | Programming Languages for Data Science | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3054 | Microbiology | 4 |
| Biology Elective 3 | 3 | |
| FAH 1XXX | Fine Arts and Humanities Courses 1 | 3 |
| STAT 3113 | Regression Analysis | 3 |
| Electives 7 | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 3034 | Genetics | 4 |
| Biology Elective 3 | 4 | |
| SS 1XXX | Social Science Courses 1 | 3 |
| STAT 4153 | Experimental Design and Analysis | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 3033 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIOL 3114 or BIOL 4094 |
Principles of Ecology or Coastal Ecology |
4 |
| FAH 1XXX | Fine Arts and Humanities Courses 1 | 3 |
| Statistics Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Electives 7 | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 4891 | Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| Biology Elective 3 | 8 | |
| Statistics Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
- 2
Statistics Elective courses include: BDA 3013 Business Spreadsheet Modeling, BDA 3033 Data Modeling and Management, STAT 3183 Statistical Process Control, STAT 4113 Categorical Data Analysis, STAT 4163 Mathematical Statistics, STAT 4383 Machine Learning, STAT 4393 Statistical Learning.
- 3
Biology Elective courses include: any BIOL course that is 2000, 3000, or 4000 level.
- 4
At least 40 of the total hours required for graduation must be 3000-4000 level courses.
Students who complete the program will demonstrate:
- Construct reports which analyze data using scientific models to justify their conclusions.
- Students should be able to evaluate the interactions between human and biological systems, and to articulate and convey societal relevance to the general public.
- Students will be able to describe characteristics and diversity of life.
- Students will demonstrate common lab procedures, operate lab and field equipment, perform sterile techniques, and conduct online data analyses.
- Students should find, analyze, and critique current scientific literature and present their evaluation in written and oral formats.
For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php
