Biochemical Analysis Track

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The Biochemical Analysis Track of the BS in Biology program prepares students for lab-intensive careers that integrate biological and chemical concepts with instrumentation and and analysis and for graduate degrees (MS, PhD) in multiple biological, chemical, or biomedical disciplines.

The program prepares students to pursue laboratory careers, such as those in academia, chemical industry, forensic science, and research. Specific examples include DNA analysts, forensic biologists or chemists, and research assistants. This track also prepares students to pursue graduate degrees (MS, PhD) in the natural sciences.

School
School of Arts and Sciences
Career
Chemical & Biochemical Industries Biotechnology Pharmaceuticals Quality Control Laboratories
Program Contacts
  • Point of Contact: Carmen Nichols, PhD, BA Advisor and Forensic Science Certificate Director
  • Phone: (225) 526-1680
  • Email: Carmen.Nichols@franu.edu

Biology at FranU

Program Mission

The mission of the Biology Program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to create quality educational experiences in all areas of biology and chemistry, especially those integral to the health of the population. The core principles of scientific inquiry and ethics serve to integrate coursework throughout the curriculum.

Program Goals

  • To provide a multidisciplinary education that emphasizes ethical scientific reasoning and problem solving
  • To prepare students for a wide variety of post-baccalaureate paths, including careers in laboratory science or instrumentation and graduate programs in laboratory research or medicine (physician/physician assistant/physical therapy)

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

  • Illustrate the processes of life using natural science (biology, chemistry, physics) concepts.
  • Apply the scientific method to develop and test hypotheses.
  • Evaluate scientific data using mathematics and statistics.
  • Communicate scientific findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Examine the relationship between biology and social problems.
  • Apply scientific and research ethics to decision-making.
  • Examine the relationship between biology and the Franciscan values.
  • Design and execute research using biological and chemical laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

FAQs

Does the Biochemical Analysis track offer internships for students to gain hands-on experience outside of the University?

Yes! We have a partnership with Oxbow Calcining for students to serve as interns in the CHEM4920 Practical Experiences in Science course.

Do students in the Biochemical Analysis track have the opportunity to perform independent laboratory research?

Yes! We have two extracurricular programs that provide students a stipend to work with their mentors to complete a semester-long project (Supervised Independent Research Experiences, SIRE) or to serve as laboratory assistants (Laboratory Assistant Biology Students, LABS). Students also complete independent research in CHEM4915: Research Problems in Chemistry

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

Curriculum

Curriculum Notes:

Behavioral/Social Sciences electives may be taken from ANTH, ECON, HIST, POLI, PSYC, RELS, SOCI.

Ethics/Philosophy electives may be taken from PHIL 2315, PHIL 2320, THEO 3345, THEO 3350, THEO 3360.

Humanities/Fine Arts electives may be taken from ENGL, MUSI, ART, HIST, HUMN, PHIL, RELS, THEO.