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Biology

The Department of Biology offers a broad-based curriculum that prepares majors for a variety of careers in the biological and health sciences. Majors will have a strong background in the concepts of modern biology from the level of the molecule to the ecosystem. This background is further strengthened by courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Because of the diversity of goals of biology majors, both the bachelor of arts and the bachelor of science degrees are offered. The B.A. is recommended primarily for students who plan to enter fields in which graduate work in biology will not be required.  Students who are preparing for the High School Teaching License follow a curriculum designed in conjunction with the College of Education and Social Sciences. The B.S. degree is recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate study in biology or careers in the health professions. All students enrolled in Biology courses must earn a grade of “C-” or better in a prerequisite course to advance to the next course in the sequence. The minimum composite ACT score for consideration for entry into BS and BA programs in Biology is 21. Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 as well as a minimum GPA of 2.75 in Biology.

Transfer students who do not have the minimum GPA may become Biology majors once their GPA is raised to 2.75 and mathematics through Calculus I or Calculus for the Life Sciences is completed with a minimum grade of “C."  Students currently attending Lewis University, without the minimum 2.75 GPA, who wish to declare a major in any of the programs offered by the Biology department, must meet the same requirements as transfer students. For the Biology and Environmental Science majors, the minimum GPA required is 2.75 for science classes as well as overall GPA.

Students (transfer and current) must have an overall GPA of 3.25 and science GPA of 3.25 to be admitted into the pre-professional programs: Medicine, Veterinary, Dental, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, and Optometry. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 to be admitted into the allied health majors: Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, Diagnostic Medical Technology, Radiography.  Students applying to the program in Dental Hygiene must have a GPA of 3.25.  Students interested in entering the 3+2 Bachelor of Science to Master of Science programs (Lewis University and Rush University) in Respiratory Care and Medical Laboratory Science need a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.  Lewis University and Rush University also cooperate to offer a 2+2 program for a Bachelor of Science from Rush University in Vascular Ultrasound Technology.

A minor in Biology is available.  Majors in various Department of Biology programs may wish to take a minor in Marketing for Science Majors.

Concentrations/Professional Programs

Counselors will direct students toward the program most appropriate for their goals. The major is designed to prepare students to enter teaching or to continue on to graduate school or professional schools in dentistry, medicine, podiatry, veterinary medicine, or other specialties. The minimum composite ACT score for consideration for entry into professional programs is 23 (exception: a composite ACT score of 25 is required for the Dual Admission Program for Pharmacy plus being ranked in the upper 25% of the graduating class), and for transfer students the minimum cumulative GPA is 3.25, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.25 in Biology.

It is the policy of the Biology department to support with letters of recommendation for professional or graduate school applications only those students who have achieved a cumulative and science GPA of 3.25 by the time they complete Biochemistry and have no withdrawals in their records. In the event that a student has his/her request for letters of recommendation denied, he/she has the right to petition for reconsideration with the understanding that there is no guarantee that the petition will be successful. Acceptance into any professional school is solely determined by the admissions committee of that school. All faculty members have the right to decline a request to write a letter of recommendation for any student.

Biomedical Science Degree or Certificate

This post-baccalaureate program is designed for individuals who currently hold a bachelor’s degree (Science or Arts) and wish to apply to programs in the health professions, but lack some/all of the prerequisite coursework to do so. The objective of this program is to provide these individuals with program-specific prerequisite coursework in a manner that will prepare them to make competitive application to a health profession program and/or enter the job market in a career that requires specific prerequisite knowledge.   

To achieve the B.A. in Biomedical Science, students will be required to successfully complete 51 hours of major courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; lab courses required when offered) in addition to the Mission-specific coursework required by the University (3 courses, one of which must be in Theology and one other completed at Lewis University).  To meet university requirements, at least 4 of the science courses (12 – 16 semester hours) must be at the 300- or 400-level and must be taken at Lewis University.

A post-secondary certificate can be earned in lieu of the Bachelor of Arts when the student completes 32 semester hours of advisor-approved coursework taken at Lewis University from major-level offerings in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Dual Acceptance Program: Lewis University and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Competition is fierce for admittance to medical programs. For example, American Medical/Osteopathic programs saw a rising number of applications in the last few years. Two-thirds of those applying did not get admitted, according to a recent analysis. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/biology/lecom/index.htm recently initiated an early acceptance (4 + 4) program with Lewis University. The program offers Lewis University students an opportunity to receive a provisional letter of acceptance to medical, pharmacy, or dental school. It’s a unique opportunity for high school students who want to become medical doctors, pharmacists, and dentists. The agreement provides dual acceptance into both Lewis University and LECOM for high school students who are accepted into Lewis University and meet the following criteria:

• Score a minimum GPA of 3.5 and SAT above 1240 or ACT higher than 26
• Apply by December of senior year of high school
• Complete an onsite interview in spring
• Maintain a 3.4 GPA at Lewis University
• Take required exams, such as MCAT, PCAT, DAT, and receive required scores
• Complete a LECOM application

The student’s transition to LECOM takes place after the student completes the Bachelor of Science in Biology. The program also has opportunities for current Lewis University students if they meet certain criteria. Interested students should contact the Director of Pre-Health Professions http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/biology/healthprofessions.htm at Lewis University.

Dual Acceptance Program: Lewis University and Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University

Optometry is a highly specialized field in health care that offers the practitioner a great work/life balance while providing a solid income. Optometrists diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. Enjoying positive job growth, optometrists can follow many career paths including private practice, hospital employment, a career in academia and even the military.

Chicago College of Optometry (CCO) at Midwestern University recently initiated an early acceptance (4 + 4) program with Lewis University. The program offers Lewis University students an opportunity to receive a provisional letter of acceptance to CCO as early as the senior year of high school. It’s a unique opportunity for high school students who want to pursue a career in optometry without having to take the standardized entrance exam (the OAT) and apply through the centralized application process. The agreement provides dual acceptance into both Lewis University and CCO for high school students who are accepted into Lewis University and meet the following criteria:

  • Score a minimum GPA of 3.5 and SAT above 1250 or ACT higher than 26
  • Apply by March 1
  • Complete an onsite interview in spring
  • Maintain a 3.4 GPA (cum/science) at Lewis University
  • Complete a CCO application

The student’s transition to CCO takes place after the student completes the Bachelor of Science in Biology. The program also has opportunities for current Lewis University students if they meet certain criteria. Interested students should contact the Director of Pre-Health Professions http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/biology/healthprofessions.htm at Lewis University.