Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Major: Systems Biology

Program Overview

Systems biology is a rapidly emerging area of research activity at the interface of mathematics, computer science, and the biological sciences. Many modern areas of biology research (e.g., biochemical, neural, behavioral, and ecosystem networks) require the mastery of advanced quantitative and computational skills. The Systems Biology BS degree program is intended to provide the quantitative and multidisciplinary understanding that is necessary for work in these areas. This skill set is different from that produced by traditional undergraduate programs in biology. Consequently, the Systems Biology BS program adds two core courses (in modeling and analysis of biological systems) beyond the three core lecture courses in the Biology BA and Biology BS programs, as well as foundation courses from computer science and advanced mathematics. The traditional biology core laboratory courses are not required, but may be taken as electives. Undergraduate research is strongly recommended (as BIOL 388S and BIOL 390) but is not formally required.

The Systems Biology BS provides options for specialization in a variety of areas, including biotechnology and genetic engineering, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, immunology, chemical biology, physiology and biophysics, neurobiology and animal behavior, developmental biology, population biology, ecology, and environmental science. Theoretical, mathematical, and computational approaches to these fields are emphasized in the Systems Biology BS program. 

Ordinarily, all students begin their biology programs in their first year.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of biological concepts.
• Students will be able to use mathematical and computational tools to answer biological questions.
• Students will be able to demonstrate clarity of thought and logical rigor in analyzing problems. They will be able to formulate and refine clear questions and design effective tests of hypotheses.
• Students will be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Students will be able to translate biological phenomena intomathematical/computational language and vice versa.

Advising

Biology faculty advisors are assigned to students at the time of major or minor declaration. All biology majors are required to meet with their departmental advisors at least once each semester to discuss their academic program, receive clearance for electronic course registration, and obtain approval for any drops, adds, or withdrawals. Please contact the undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Biology for information about major or minor declaration.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.

a

Excluding 100-level courses and BIOL 240.

b

Undergraduate research strongly recommended.

Concentrations in Areas of the Biological Sciences

Students are encouraged to utilize their elective courses in the biology major to take advantage of concentrations in various specialized areas. These concentrations have been developed between the biology department, the basic science departments of the School of Medicine, and other departments. Currently, concentrations have been developed in the following areas: biotechnology and genetic engineering; computational biology; developmental biology; genetics; cell and molecular biology; neurobiology and animal behavior; population biology, ecology and environmental science. Note: these concentrations are informal; they are not declared, and will not appear on the student’s diploma or transcript.

Departmental Honors

To receive a bachelor’s degree “with Honors in Biology” (formally noted on the transcript), the student must meet the following criteria:

1. Maintain a 3.4 overall grade point average, with a 3.6 in BIOL courses

2. Carry out two semesters of independent research (taken as BIOL courses) at Case Western Reserve University

3. Write a senior honors thesis with the approval of the faculty supervisor

4. Submit the thesis for review by an ad hoc honors committee

5. Successfully defend the thesis at an oral examination

Additional information and application forms are available from the biology department office.

Sample Plan of Study

a

Unified General Education Requirement.

b

Computer science-oriented students are recommended to take ECSE 132 before the PHYS 121 / PHYS 122 sequence. Other students may take physics first.