Biology

The Biology programme at ESPOL is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biological sciences while allowing them to specialize in three interconnected areas: Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, and Biodiversity. Our graduates emerge as versatile professionals who can address challenges in research, conservation, and technological advancement.

Mission  

Train professional area of Biology with ethical principles and values, to promote the sustainable management of natural resources, with scientific and technical knowledge.

Vision  

To be a leader and benchmark in education and research in the field of Biology. 

* Undergraduate tuition/fees:
The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador in its Article 356, among other principles, establishes that third-level public higher education will be tuition/fees free.  Zero cost education is linked to the academic responsibility of the students.

Number of admitted students per academic year
Number of graduates per year
Number of enrolled students per academic year

Graphs show the figures in real time, at the time of the query

In the Biology programme, we are looking for curious, honest, reflective, analytical, critical-minded students, with logical abstraction skills and basic knowledge of experimental sciences and biology. That they have an interest in the study of living beings, seek solutions to ecological problems and promote the conservation of nature. 

Our main objective is to train entrepreneurial professionals, with ethical values and solid scientific and technological knowledge, capable of analyzing biological systems in multidisciplinary teams to promote the scientific and socioeconomic development of the country, with a particular interest in the areas of biotechnology, environmental biology, and biodiversity.
To acomplish the areas of the Biology programme, each course comprises Module Learning Outcomes (MLO) and the Programme learning Outcomes -referred as Student Outcomes (SO) -. SOs are related to the programme training plan.  

The SOs are cited as follows:  

SO 3.a. An ability to communicate effectively in Spanish: wide range of audiences / diverse professional contexts.
SO 3.b. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences in English.
SO 4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.  
SO 5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and fulfill objectives.  
SO 7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.  
SO 8. An ability to design real-life solutions that create unique value as a response to specific needs considered from the stakeholders' perspective.  
SO - BIO1: An ability to acquire field, laboratory, and workplace technical skills related to life sciences. 

1. **Biotechnology Expertise:**

 - Proficiency in modern biotechnological techniques and molecular biology.
 - Ability to apply biotechnology tools in areas such as biomedicine, agriculture, and industry.
 - Skill in designing and conducting experiments related to biosciences.

2. **Environmental Biology:**

 - In-depth understanding of ecosystems, environmental processes, and biodiversity conservation.
 - Competence in assessing the impact of human activities on the environment and proposing sustainable solutions.
 - Hability to conduct ecosystem restoration projects.

3. **Biodiversity Conservation:**

 - Thorough knowledge of biodiversity, species identification, and ecosystem dynamics.
 - Proficiency in conducting biodiversity assessments to implement conservation strategies and protect endangered species and habitats.

4. **Research and Data Analysis:**

 - Skill in designing scientific research projects, conducting fieldwork, and collecting accurate data.
 - Proficiency in analyzing biological data using statistical tools.
 - Ability to communicate research findings effectively through presentations and publications.

5. **Ethics and Sustainability:**

 - Commitment to promoting sustainability, ethical conduct, and responsible management of natural resources.

6. **Interdisciplinary Collaboration:**

 - Ability to collaborate with professionals from various fields, including chemistry and engineering.
 - Ability to address complex biological problems.

Occupational Profile

-Applied biological research
-Academy (lecturers, researchers, analysts)
-Production, clinical, biomedical laboratory technicians
-Officials in public decision-making for conservation and production
-Naturist guides-Environmental consultants-Product development

To obtain the Biology degree, all students must complete all the requirements stated in the program curricular plan. These requirements are based on the fulfilment of course credits, professional and outreach internships hours and the capstone course.  

Biology Program Credits Requirements

Course Type  

Required Hours - ECTS  

Natural sciences and mathematics  

1,152 h | 46.1 ECTS  

Professional and special modules  

2,640 h | 105.6 ECTS  

Humanistic, social sciences and economics  

960 h | 38.4 ECTS  

Selected elective courses   

288 h | 11.5 ECTS  

Internships  

 

  • Professional  

240 h | 9.6 ECTS  

  • Outreach  

96 h | 3.8 ECTS  

Curricular integration unit  

 

  • Capstone course  

144 h | 5.8 ECTS  

  • Capstone project  

240 h | 9.6 ECTS  

Total  

5,760 h | 230.4 ECTS 

The Capstone Project is a culminating requirement for graduation. These projects provide students with the experience of applying acquired knowledge and skills to the needs of society, with a focus on sustainability.
The IDEAR Fair showcases all Capstone projects, offering students a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and hone soft skills such as communication and teamwork. It is also a space for students to network with potential clients and future employers.
Explore all of the Capstone projects completed by the Biology program.