Special Features of the Program
A four (4) year Bachelor of Science major in Biology program aimed to produce competent graduates with comprehensive knowledge and skills in life sciences. The program consists of 198 credit units which include biology core subjects, tool courses, general education courses (GEC), and ~36 units of microbiology specialization courses.
Core courses include fundamentals of botany and zoology, cell and molecular biology, physiology, genetics, ecology, developmental biology, among others. Tool courses include organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, biostatistics, systematics, and the like; while selected GECs include Data Analytics of the “big data” in the field of post-genomic era, Cross-Cultural Communication course in a seamless global community, concern for the environment through the studies of the anthropogenic impacts to the environment in People, Earth, and Ecosystem The program offers medical microbiology, virology, microbial physiology, industrial and food microbiology. A minimum of 150 hours of practicum or on-the-job training and capped by six (6) units of undergraduate research or thesis that span three semesters of research activities, seminar, manuscript writing, and oral thesis defense. Outstanding thesis output will be disseminated through a poster or oral presentations in scientific meetings of professional organizations in biology and related fields for future collaboration and various opportunities.
Graduates of the program would have the requisite units in microbiology to qualify for a professional examination currently administered by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM); if they opt to practice as registered microbiologists. The graduates are also qualified to pursue advanced research studies through the master’s or doctorate degree programs here or abroad and help build the science and technology in the country. Graduates are also equipped to study medicine or masters in molecular medicine offered by the Saint Luke’s College of Medicine.
One of the distinct offerings of the program along with the other courses available at TUA is the whole person education where the Trinitian graduates are trained and deployed to the marketplace armed not only with universal values of integrity and righteousness but the love of God and his fellowmen. It is the hallmark of the Trinitian education that upholds the belief that humankind was created in the image of God to glorify Him as stewards of His magnificent creation.
ABOUT THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The Biology Department is under the College of Arts Sciences and Education of the Trinity University of Asia (TUA). It was founded in 1990 as one of the departments of the former College of Arts and Sciences. The three decades of Biology at Trinity is a testament to its resilience and importance as an undergraduate biological science program. While the fundamental courses offered in the B.S. Biology Program, the new curriculum is pegged on the output-based education (OBE) model. It strives to adapt to the current ASEAN integration and designed to establish a niche among other schools offering a B.S. Biology course. TUA B.S. Biology Program seeks to educate students whose passion is to explore, discover, innovate, and to translate ideas into practical technological applications.
PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS OVERVIEW
| Teaching Institution and Awarding Body | Trinity University of Asia |
| Name of School | College of Arts, Sciences, and Education |
| Department | Biology Department |
| Program Title and Name of Final Awards | Bachelor of Science in Biology |
| Program Level | Undergraduate |
| Mode of Study | Full-time |
| Required Credit Units | 198 |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Length of Program | 4 years (8 semesters and 2 intercessions) |
| Statutory Body Accreditation | CHED Autonomous University, Assoc. Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) Accredited |
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the basic principles governing the science of life.
- Utilize the techniques relevant to biological research work in laboratory and field settings.
- Apply basic mathematical and statistical computations and use of appropriate technologies in the analysis of biological data.
- Extend knowledge and critically assess current views and theories in various areas of the biological sciences.
- Commitment to pursue research and education.
- Demonstrates concern for the environment and the conservation of biodiversity.
- Upholds ethical principles and biosafety standards
RULES OF RETENTION
- A BS Biology student is evaluated based on her/his grades in her/his major courses.
- A major course is any Biology, Zoology or Botany courses.
- Evaluation is done at the end of each semester.
- Good Standing. A student must have a semestral weighted average of at least 2.50 taken in the particular semester with no grade lower than 2.50 taken in all subjects.
- Needs Improvement (NI). If the student’s semestral weighted average is lower than 2.50 for the first time and; If the student has a grade of 3.00 and/or 5.00 in any of her/his subjects
- If the student’s semestral weighted average falls below 2.50 for the second time; If the student has three (3) 5.00 or failing grades in her/his General Education courses and; If the student has three (3) 5.00 or failing grades in her/his courses in Sciences and Biology.
FACILITIES & SERVICES TO STUDENTS
Facilities
Teaching laboratories are equipped with standard laboratory fixtures, LCD projectors (or TV monitors), binocular light microscopes (with oil immersion obj.) stereomicroscope, , animal, human, and plant structure models. Big lecture halls and the University auditorium are also available for seminars and conferences.
Research laboratory equipped with microbiological research tools (autoclave, microscopes, pipettors, refrigerators, low-speed centrifuge, balance, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 2D-electrophoresis set up, agarose gel electrophoresis. The TUA central laboratory for molecular biology housed at the Health and Sciences Center building is expected to be completed soon.
Other sophisticated equipment of the University that are accessible for research include High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, refrigerated centrifuge, ultra-low freezer, biosafety cabinet class II. The electron microscopy laboratory in another research laboratory near TUA is open for analytical services.
State of the art computer laboratories are also available at the College of Engineering and Information Science to the biology students who will be doing heavy computing and data analysis.
Services provided to students
- Offers Biology related subjects to science and non-science majors
- Access and training in the use of research laboratory equipment
- Opportunity to conduct research and practicum exposure in relevant industries or top-caliber biological research institutions
- Tutorial class
ACTIVITIES
- Bio-Assembly, August/September
- Campus Club Fair, September/October
- Biology Seminar-Workshop, January, August/September
- Community Outreach and Extension Work, January/November
- Biology Department Open House – CASE Foundation Week, October (other photos to follow)
- Bio Day – February/March
- TUA Foundation Day Celebrations- February
- TUA Research Colloquium, May
- Graduation Ball, May
- Graduation, June
LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES
Local:
- Research and Biotechnology Division, Saint Luke’s Medical Center
- M.S. Molecular Medicine Program, Saint Luke’s College of Medicine
- Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman
- Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines
- Philippine Society for Microbiology
- Philippine Academy of Microbiology
International:
- Taylor’s University, Malaysia
- Ehime University, Japan
COMMUNITY AND OUTREACH
Community Outreach for Preschool Education- Arts and Sciences Program for Inspired Responsive Education (COPE-ASPIRE) is a yearly community outreach conducted at Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City. The January 2020 outreach conducted was themed “Health Awareness”. Topics related to leptospirosis, tuberculosis, septicemia, dengue, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and gouty arthritis were presented.
LIST OF FACULTY
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Level 3 Accreditation: ACSCU-ACI
- Autonomous University/Higher Learning Institutions by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education
TUITION FEE
The tuition fee rates of the Program are considered very competitive compared to the fees offered by other private universities in the University Belt and elsewhere. Various scholarships for honor students especially those needing financial assistance are available with reasonable academic grade requirements to maintain. Athletic students may also tap scholarship available while pursuing the program. Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships in various agencies such as Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other scholarship grants.
EMPLOYMENT POTENTIALS OF GRADUATES
Various industries related to manufacturing, food, agriculture, biotechnologies are in constant demand for registered microbiologists, quality analysts, science research specialists’ technical staff, and biotechnology business representatives. While the academe and government agencies continue to require instructors, lecturers, biosafety officers, and research assistants. Many of these jobs are offered by various TUA industry partners, government and private research institutions.
Our excellent graduates have landed jobs in research and academic institutions providing valuable work experience.
YEARLY ACTIVITIES
- Bio-Assembly, August/September
- Campus Club Fair, September/October
- Biology Seminar-Workshop, January, August/September
- Community Outreach and Extension Work, January/November
- Biology Department Open House – CASE Foundation Week, October (other photos to follow)
- Bio Day – February/March
- TUA Foundation Day Celebrations- February
- TUA Research Colloquium, May
- Graduation Ball, May
- Graduation, June
CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY SPECIAL COURSE
The Cell and Molecular Biology Lecture and Laboratory course is offered to professionals with a degree related to Biological Sciences or Medical field. This special course is under the Biology Department, College of Arts Sciences and Education (CASE) of the Trinity University of Asia, and it is a 5-unit course that will last up to 8 weeks.
Cell and Molecular Biology is an introductory course dissecting the different disciplines of cytology and covers essential topics from structure and function of the prokaryote and eukaryote systems, and biological membranes. The course also covers an in-depth study of the intracellular compartments and matrix as well as mechanisms behind gene expression and regulation and their role in pathogenesis of diseases. This course aims to relate the topics of cell and molecular biology in relation to clinical, industrial and developmental aspects.
ABOUT OUR LOGO
Life as we know it is encoded in the DNA. The diversity of organisms shares the same genetic material that is built upon levels of complexity in structure and function that is precisely controlled by their sequence and expression of the genetic information. The Biology Department logo encapsulates the theme with the central DNA molecule that embodies the depth and breadth of information encoded in the DNA that the humankind has started to unfold. The pixels encased in the cell background in colored array and intensity display a heat map of how genes are expressed for growth and reproduction. The faculty and students of the Department seek to contribute to the unravelling of the “big” data stored in the DNA in diverse microorganisms, protists, fungi, plants, animals, humans. Challenged by the COVID19 pandemic, the Department endeavors to pursue bioinformatics approach to the study of infectious agents including viruses. The technologies that can be developed to answer some of life’s problems such as infectious disease and “one health”, and the explorations in biodiversity and biotechnologies are at the forefront of how the team envisions its contribution to science as embodied by the logo.
Testimonials from Students and Alumni
The department of biology has taught me a lot and has widened my knowledge. I can’t thank the entire faculty and staff for their patience, time and for being there. Being closely knit as family, and sharing every experience together; what better way is there to learn? Thank you, Bio.
Being a student at the Trinity University of Asia is one of the best impulsive choices I’ve made. Experiences that mold me from to betterment, meeting a lot of great people, professors, and colleagues that helped me from what I am today”. “One of my best and most memorable years was in my junior year where I became a part of the Society of Life Science Students organization (SOLSS) as a Promotions Director where my social and interpersonal skills developed….Also, one of the practices that helped me grow as an individual are the laboratory practices, systems and life lessons…. One of them is the 5’s, a 5 steps Japanese character which stands for Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Systematized; Orderliness), Seiso (Shine; Cleanliness), Seiketsu (Standardized), Shitsuke (Sustain; Self-discipline) an approach for an optimized workplace.
It is with great pleasure that I share my experience in the Biology program. I can say that my experience here in this degree is somewhat overwhelming and fun and the same time. …One of my experiences in this program is that I was able to do my practicum at “One of the world’s best” medical institutions in the country – Saint Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City at their Research and Biotechnology Division. Adding to that, I had the privilege to attend a world class conferences such as the 3rd International Scientific Conference titled: “Forward Thinkers” with the theme: “Shaping Healthcare Through Molecular Medicine Research” held last Sept. 28-29, 2019 at the St. Luke’s College of Medicine. I have recognized that medical conditions have a molecular etiology and is an important driver in advancing Molecular Medicine research to improve medical healthcare and treatment outcomes. All the professors in this program based on my experience are very competent and kind. Their quality of teaching students is excellent where they leave no stone unturned. If you love sciences like human anatomy, genetics, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and etc., this is the place for you. I urge you all senior high school students who have a passion in science or medical research to take this program. . .
“Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances.”
This quote by Maya Angelou has been my driving force since I decided to pursue my degree paper (thesis) by myself. I kept on having thoughts about whether I can truly accomplish it by myself considering financial constraints and other issues. But my main struggle during this period was my ignorance of my own thesis topic. I accepted the topic knowing absolutely nothing about vaccines and encapsulation. I was enthralled by the mere thought of doing something way beyond my capacity that I immediately thought that it was an amazing topic. But these struggles were important part of my growth in the last remaining days of my undergraduate studies. … I persevered and gathered every ounce of my strength to finish what I started. Thankfully, I managed to push through. My heart was at ease and I was grateful for the people who kept on pushing me to do well; especially to my thesis adviser, Dr. Argayosa, my family and my closest friends who never failed to motivate me every step of the way.
What I like about the Biology Program was the training it offered in pre-medicine. This focus along with the kind words of professors helped push me to pursue a career in medicine.
In the College of Arts and Sciences, Education (CASE) day we helped organize seminars and an exhibit of different companies related to their innovative products and technologies. I could say it was a success One of the seminars we hosted was on DNA Forensic which was very interesting and I learned about Forensic DNA that our DNA is very powerful tool in forensics …”. We biology student are happy and did a good job on handling the event.
The Trinitian Center for Community Development is the official arm for Community Extension Service that supports Trinity University of Asia in carrying out its Vision and Mission of involving her constituents to live a LIFE that is GOD-centered and in service to the community.