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
The Biology program has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology since 2024.
International Accreditation Coordinator
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.
First Year
Description:
It is a core course for Engineering, Natural Sciences, Exact Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities, students. Topics, such as, topological notions, limits and continuity of real variable functions, derivatives and their applications, antiderivatives and integration techniques, and the definite integral with its applications, are examined. This course is aimed to the development of student’s skills and know-how in the derivation and integration processes, as a fundamental basis for the following upper level courses in its academic training process
Description:
In this course, students apply the Design Thinking methodology to identify, analyze real-life problems or needs, to design innovative solutions. Students work in multidisciplinary teams to present solution proposals that add value to customers/users from private companies, public organizations and non-profit organizations.
Description:
This basic and general education subject presents grammatical structures to produce a simple paragraph based on a writing program. Additionally, it allows the identification of a specific argument in oral and written communication. It also considers learners’ personal opinions about different topics related to social, academic, and professional aspects. It includes the necessary vocabulary to make comparisons between present and past, books or movies description, creation of simple students’ profile, opinions about inventions, formal apologies and tell past events.
Description:
General Chemistry is a theoretical-practical course aimed at the basic training of professionals in the areas of Engineering and Natural Sciences, which provides a scientific basis of the matter and its interactions, and seeks to develop in students the ability to solve problems related to the content of the subject. It begins with an Introduction to Thermochemistry, then the analysis of the physicochemical properties derived from the state of aggregation of matter: liquids, solids and solutions, the study of the Kinetics and Equilibrium of reactions and solubility.
Description:
This course is basic training and is aimed at students of Product Design and Biology careers. In this course, concepts of physics are taught using basic mathematics, focusing on the explanation of phenomenology and relying on practical demonstrations. It has an initial stage where students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of physics, through the use of classes, documentaries and laboratory practices; and, a final stage where a project is carried out, which connects physics with their professional areas.
Description:
The course presents students with strategies to solve common problems in various professional fields through the design and implementation of solutions based on the use of a programming language. It covers the basic principles so that the student can read and write programs; emphasizing the design and analysis of algorithms. In addition, it introduces students to the use of development and debugging tools.
Description:
The course of General Biology belongs to the basic subjects and is aimed at students who are in the first year. It addresses the study of living beings, from the organization and properties of biological macromolecules to the structure, function and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Additionally, there is a unit comprising an overview of cellular metabolism. Subunits involving the examination of the functions performed by the organelles are also included. This program also incorporates the study of genetic material, how it is inherited and its role for the observable characteristics of each living being. Techniques and methods of analysis of experimental data, case studies and application of the scientific method and critical thinking are used, which are essential for the understanding of biological sciences in its trasnversal fields
Description:
The course covers the study of plant organisms, emphasizing their significance for the environment and society. It also explores the diverse structures and functions of plant tissues, detailing aspects of the morphology and classification of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Discussions encompass methods of reproduction and dispersal of vascular plants, and the course concludes by addressing topics related to the evolution and centers of origin of plant species.
Description:
Calculus of several variables is a transversal course aimed at the basic training of professionals in the areas of Humanistic and Social Sciences that require developing problem-solving and problem-solving skills in the n-dimensional context. For this purpose, the course consists of 4 general topics: three-dimensional analytical geometry and functions of several variables, differential calculus of scalar fields, optimization of scalar functions of several variables, and multiple integration; being the main applications of this course: the optimization of functions of several variables applied to practical problems, the calculation of areas, volumes and work, using objects of the plane and space.
Description:
This subject of basic formation and general education presents the grammatical structures for the production of an academic paragraph, through the development of the writing program in a transversal way. In addition, it allows the identification of specific arguments in oral and written communication, considering the production of one's own criteria on different topics of a social, academic or professional nature. The necessary vocabulary is also applied to refer to the different forms of communication, share work experiences and the use of digitl technology, tell short stories about interpersoanl relationship and personalities, and comment on the future of the environment.
Description:
Organic Chemistry is a course for Biology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Food, Agriculture, and Aquaculture students. This course studies the principal rules of IUPAC nomenclature for the naming of organic compounds; also includes the study of the structures, properties, and reactions of organic compounds with a wide interest in several industries. Active learning, discussion, and problem-solving in the laboratory are part of the course teaching methodology, which contributes to the development of skills for the design and execution of laboratory tests.
Second Year
Description:
Molecular and Cell Biology Course study topics such as biological process at cellular and molecular level. It makes a review of cellular chemistry, Molecular Biology dogma central process, cellular membrane structure and cellular signal transduction process. By activities in the laboratory, it makes some review methodologies nowadays applied to nucleic acid, genes and genomes studies. Finally, using the critical and logical thinking, the course integrates various aspects which lead to dilute the cellular and molecular processes that govern the different biological systems.
Description:
This course is part of the profession subjects and is aimed for students of basic level of the biology major. It reviews the fundamental concepts of plant systematics such as evolutionary processes and the existing phylogenetic relationships between different groups of plants. In addition, it addresses modern classification systems based on the use of taxonomic characters that allow the correct study of higher and lower plants. The course focuses mainly on the Ecuadorian flora in an ethnobotanical context, and it is oriented towards research in national plant systems.
Description:
The biochemistry course is aimed to serve transversally to students of careers with a biological nature. It includes an introduction to biochemistry and the principles of bioenergetics. The dynamics of the metabolic processes of the main biomolecules that allow the development of life are studied. Each metabolic pathway is described in chemical and enzymatic terms, the energy requirements and energy sources are demonstrated, and it concludes with the description of the regulatory mechanisms of the different pathways. Additionally, the biosynthesis and degradation routes of each of the biomolecules are described: carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogenous compounds (proteins), for a better understanding of the origins of life on earth.
Description:
This course is a professional training course for Biology. Here the diversity of invertebrates is studied, through the description of the morphology, physiology, ecology and characteristics of the life cycles of the different groups of animals such as protozoa, porifers, cnidarians, flatworms, mollusks, annelids, nematodes, arthropods, echinoderms and hemichordates. The importance of evolutionary changes is established by promoting knowledge of phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy and different adaptation strategies to their environment. In addition, skills are acquired for the manipulation of these organisms, through the study of representative specimens of each group of the diversity of invertebrates of Ecuador.
Description:
This course is intended for undergraduate students in the early stages of their university education. It focuses on the analysis of effective interpersonal and group communication through practical workshops and interactive dynamics. Additionally, it strengthens student’s prosumer profiles by fostering complex, holistic, and critical thinking through the rigorous study of real-world contexts and academic/scientific readings. It also aims to improve the writing of technical and executive reports for diverse audiences by integrating digital and artificial intelligence tools to ethically optimize the production and revision of texts. In terms of oral expression, the course develops assertive communication techniques to enhance the dissemination of information and improve both verbal and nonverbal communication skills abilities that should be consolidated throughout student’s academic and professional lives.
Description:
This is a training basic course training and provides the knowledge to the engineering and science student can convert data into information, associate everyday situations with statistical processes, and determine scientific conclusions through experimental observations, applying descriptive statistics, notions of probability, models of random variables and inferential analysis.
Description:
This subject of basic instruction and general education presents grammatical topics for the elaboration of an outline and a structured composition, through the development of the writing program in a transversal way. In addition, it allows the identification of arguments in oral and written communication on contemporary and academic topics. Additionally, appropriate vocabulary is applied to discuss issues related to different cultures, places where we live, everyday news, entertainment media, and past and future opportunities.
Description:
This course guides students to get hold of fundamental concepts of ecology by reviewing classical experiments and recent research. The course also encourages analysis of physical and biological factors that affect the adaptation of individuals to their environment, the distribution, abundance, and density of populations, as well as the structure, diversity, and interactions of plant and animal species in the communities using basic statistical exercises and mathematical models. Finally, the course emphasizes the application of the concepts through case studies in Ecuador.
Description:
The entomology course focuses on the basic study of arthropods, with particular emphasis on insects, describing their significance at both ecosystem and societal levels. It covers fundamental aspects of external and internal morphology, examines into taxonomy and insect orders, outlining their key identifying characteristics. Additionally, it delves into the ecological aspects of insect groups, their methods of communication, and their intra- and interspecific relationships. Finally, the course discusses the applications of entomology in areas such as agriculture, medicine, veterinary science, and forensic sciences.
Description:
The course aims to develop student´s skills and competences related to the development of the scientific method within the field of life sciences, through knowledge of the theoretical foundations and processes of scientific such as elaboration of the theoretical framework, formulation of hypotheses, objectives and research variables that allow the development of protocols and data processing, as well as processes of generation, circulation, communication and management of scientific knowledge and its social and ethical impact in the context of current science and society.
Description:
General Microbiology is designed for undergraduate students; it covers the study of microorganisms and their main physiological, nutritional, metabolic and reproductive characteristics, as well as, the different biochemical processes carried out inside the microbial cell during energetic performance.Assisted by practical sessions, this module allows the development of useful abilities that would help the students to separate and recognise different types of microorganisms by phenotypic and molecular methods, serving as a powerful tool for biotechnological applications.
Description:
This course encompasses the study of the morphology, physiology, diversity, and evolutionary changes of vertebrate animals. In addition, the principles of taxonomic classification of vertebrates, the ecological aspects that regulate their distribution, their physiological and behavioral strategies to adapt to the environment, and their inter and intra specific interactions are presented.
Description:
This subject of basic formation and general education, presents the grammar structures to produce a persuasive essay, through the transversal development of the writing programme. In addition, it allows students to identify specific arguments in the oral and written communication, as well as, to express their own opinions about different topics of social, academic, or professional fields. It also includes the necessary vocabulary to stablish a conversation, narrate situations of their environment, activities to reach their goals, analyze cause and effect and personal and professional opportunities.
Description:
This transversal training course for all students of the institution has five chapters. It introduces the key principles of sustainability and the path to sustainable development. Addresses ecological principles by deepen into biodiversity, ecosystems, human population and ecosystem services. Study the fundamentals of renewable and non-renewable resources as well as the alternatives for sustainable use. Analyzes environmental quality specifically in the air, water and soil components, delving into issues such as climate change, eutrophication and deforestation. Finally, it emphasizes on the economic axis with topics such as circular economy and on the social axis on topics such as governance and urban planning.
Third Year
Description:
This transversal course addresses the conditions required to innovate and the process associated with developing an innovation from an entrepreneurial point of view. Subsequently, topics such as the identification of opportunities, value creation, and prototyping and validation of products/services proposals are reviewed, as well as the elements of the business toghether with tools for the evaluation of a budget/financial management plan and the interpretation of financial data. Considerations that are essential for the feasibility and adoption of an innovation. Finally, entrepreneurial competences and process associated with the development and adoption of an innovation are studied.
Description:
This course focuses on the ecosystem level of ecological organization. To address the ecosystem functionality, the elements that regulate the ecosystem capacity are identified by analyzing the processes and factors that govern the ecological systems, especially the transformation of energy and material cycles, as well as biological interrelationships. The course emphasizes the ecosystems of continental Ecuador.
Description:
The course presents the developmental biology concepts, including initial processes such as gametogenesis, fertilization, early development, and embryonic annexes. Also, the embryo development of models is analyzed by the study of specific animals’ morphology, histology, and genetics. The students will analyze the organogenesis of human embryos. In addition, the use of embryos in basic and translational research is discussed, as well as the biotechnology of stem cells
Description:
The course is aimed at students in fields related to biological sciences. It covers basic aspects of plant functioning from the cellular level to the levels of organisms and plant communities. At the cellular level, it includes aspects of water/nutrient/mineral absorption and transport, photosynthates, and energy metabolism. Regarding the relationship with the environment, it encompasses the regulation of growth by internal and environmental factors, as well as the response to stress and the use of biotechnology in plants.
Description:
The course deals with the study of the organization and expression of the genetic material of organisms. The extension of the Mendelian analysis, chromosomal maps, regulation of gene expression and applications of molecular genetics are studied.
Description:
This basic training and general education subject presents the necessary structures for the production of a persuasive essay, through the development of the writing program in a transversal way. It also allows the identification of specific arguments both in oral and written communication, in order to issue students' criteria on social, academic, or professional issues. They also apply the necessary vocabulary to engage in discussions about choices to make, changes in daily life and home, financial problems as well as moral dilemmas and achievements in the course of their personal, student, and professional lives.
Description:
This is a professional training course, which helps the student to connect the knowledge previously acquired about statistical methods and studies related to the life and health sciences; as well as delving into advanced statistical models applied to this area of knowledge. The course is focused on providing the necessary statistical support for: obtaining data corresponding to observational or experimental studies, relational and causal studies, an introduction to statistical modeling in health, and descriptive studies using multiple variables at the same time. This course covers the following knowledge and competencies from ACEND: KRDN 4.7 Evaluate data to be used in decision-making for continuous quality improvement. KRDN 4.7 Evaluar datos que se utilizarán en la toma de decisiones para la mejora continua de la calidad. CRDN 1.4 Conduct projects using appropriate research or quality improvement methods, ethical procedures and data analysis utilizing current and/or new technologies. CRDN 2.2 Demonstrate professional writing skills in preparing professional communications. CRDN 3.7 Demonstrate effective communication and documentation skills for clinical and client services in a variety of formats and settings, which include telehealth and other information technologies and digital media. *Only apply for Nutrition and Dietetics students.
Description:
This course guides students to incorporate basic and advanced knowledge about the impact that pollution produces on living beings including man. First, the course addresses the causes and sources of pollution that occur in the environment, then focuses on the processes that govern the transport and destination of pollutants. Afterwards, the course examines the impact of pollutants on the different environmental matrices and as well as both classical and modern strategies to prevent pollution. Finally, the course explores the causes and effects of emerging pollutants on human and environmental health.
Description:
This course familiarizes the third year student of Biology with the concept management, knowledge and basic language applied in aquatic ecology. The course content emphasizes the understanding of the structure, dynamics, and functioning of communities and ecosystems in aquatic epicontinental, marine-coastal, and oceanic environments from the neotropical region. In addition, the course encourages students in the development of innovative solutions to problems in aquatic ecology.
Description:
The course approaches the study of theories of evolution, focusing in conventional and modern aspects. In addition, it correlates the organism origin and the biodiversity dynamics. Considering evolutionary processes, the course presents the mechanism that drive biodiversity and organism interaction, from natural selection to events that may lead to extinction. The importance of phylogeny role in molecular evolution is discussed. Also, mechanism that allowed for the primates’ evolution and their impact in the ecosystem are considered. The course is based in scientific information, considering a chronological timeline of discoveries that are relevant for the study of evolutionary biology.
Description:
This course covers the main mechanisms of virus entry, replication, gene expression, assembly and exit from the host cell. In addition, different types of virus transmission both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes are studied. Knowledge of host cell biology and physiology are integrated to understand the innate and acquired mechanisms of antiviral defense and their pathological associations. Lastly, the evolutionary and epidemiological aspects that contribute to the emergence or re-emergence of viruses in different ecological niches are studied.
Description:
The course presents the procedures for searching for information in specialized databases and sequence analysis. In addition, phylogenetic relationships are constructed, and the structure of proteins is studied to provide the student with the tools to solve biological problems where computational strengths are combined with the biological understanding of the processes.
Fourth Year
Description:
The course addresses the study of species' spatial distribution and its causes on a temporal scale, analyzing the ecological, taxonomic, and genetic dimensions of biodiversity. Genetic and ecological interactions are examined as potential fundamental evolutionary determinants in the adaptation of natural populations. Concepts of ecology, evolution, and mathematics are studied through models to understand the behavior of genetic variability in populations and their geographical distribution.
Description:
The course comprises the functioning of animal diversity in an integral way through the different levels of biological organization, from the molecule to the biosphere; recognizing each level requires a continuous supply of energy. Likewise, it interprets the effect of the environment on the phenotypic plasticity of animals and their physiological responses to the information that comes from their internal environment and their environment to maintain homeostasis. The possibilities of survival, reproduction, and adaptation that animals have based on evolutionary adaptations, are identified. Animals are recognized as organized entities under genetic regulation, nervous control, and hormonal regulation. In addition, scientific documentation is critically analyzed to apply it to the study of physiological processes. The course applies knowledge and ethics to the rational management of natural resources.
Description:
The course covers the basic concepts and processes of the immune response of vertebrates and invertebrates, focusing on mammals. The course teaches the compounds and components of the immune system, it includes the mechanisms of self and nonself recognition and molecular signaling involved in reacting to potential pathogens. The course also studies the different components of the immune system that are adopted by the biotech industry and their application in biomedicine.
Description:
The course details the basics and fundamentals of the main tools called omics: Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics and their applications to communities (meta-omics). The concepts, methodologies and applications of these tools in contemporary studies are detailed. In addition, the processes involved in the analysis of omics data are explored.
Description:
This course analyzes the effects of pollutants at the different levels of biological organization: from molecules to ecosystems. First, the course focuses on the factors and mechanisms that allow the entry, distribution, biotransformation, and elimination of pollutants in individuals. Subsequently, the course examines the pollutant effects at the population, community, and ecosystem levels by implementing environmental pollutant biomonitoring, use of bioassays and biomarkers, in addition to the analysis, and risk assessment of affected ecosystems by anthropic activities.
Description:
In this capstone course, the student carries out a project where the declared profiles in their career are applied. Students must develop creativity, organization, and relevance processes that involve them in a professional design experience. In the first part of the course, the needs of the client/user/public are identified, the problem/opportunity is defined, the data is collected and the critical factors are analyzed. In the second part, alternative solutions are created framed in the regulations and restrictions of each user. It concludes with the design and/or implementation of the feasible solution or elaboration of prototypes and, analysis and validation of results.
Description:
This course offers students an introduction to the management of polluted environments. The course also looks over the main remediation technologies to clean up the soil, water (underground and surface) as well as polluted air.
Additional
ARTS, SPORTS AND LANGUAGES ELECTIVE COURSES
1 credits - 1.9 ECTS
SELECTED ELECTIVE COURSE
3 credits - 5.8 ECTS
SELECTED ELECTIVE COURSE
3 credits - 5.8 ECTS
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE COURSES
1 credits - 1.9 ECTS
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 |
|
| 240 h | 9.6 ECTS |
| 96 h | 3.8 ECTS |
Curricular integration unit |
|
| 144 h | 5.8 ECTS |
| 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.
DID YOU KNOW?
Your training in this program is based on solid and cutting-edge knowledge in the following curriculums: Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, and Biodiversity.
