Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences Major

Students majoring in Biological Sciences prepare for a variety of careers which contribute to our understanding of basic life processes and the solution of problems related to health and the environment. Many students graduating with Bachelors degrees are employed by institutions involved in bio-medical research or environmental field studies, while others become science educators. Degree recipients often choose to continue their education in professional (medical, veterinary, dental) schools or by matriculating into masters and doctoral programs. Since their training in science is integrated with an education in humanities and social sciences, graduates are not only prepared to excel in expanding the base of knowledge in their field of expertise, but are able to understand and respond to social and ethical issues arising from these advances.

The undergraduate program insures a strong foundation in supporting science and mathematics and provides the essential background needed for a career in modern biology. A variety of upper-level electives is available, and the curriculum is sufficiently flexible so that students may tailor it to meet their specific career goals and entrance requirements of professional schools and postgraduate programs. Although it is not required, qualified seniors are encouraged to conduct original research as a capstone to their undergraduate experience. Enrolling in Senior Research provides graduation credits, but more importantly, many of these projects have resulted in a student’s first publication in a professional journal or have been presented at scientific meetings.

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• Bioinformatics Option
• Biotechnology Option
• Ecology Option
• General Biology Option

General Education Guidelines

Students must conform to the General Education guidelines as outlined elsewhere in this document. These include: 3 approved Arts & Humanities courses and 3 approved Social Science courses (one designated as ethics and one as diversity).

• College Writing I & II  (42.101/42.102)
• Mathematics - 1 course (met by required math courses for College of Arts and Sciences)
• Art and Humanities - 3 courses
• Social Sciences - 3 courses
• Science and Technology - 3 courses, two of which must contain an experimental learning component (met by required science courses in major)

Degree Requirements

Supporting Science & Math

Environmental Elective - 3 credits

Desiganted Biology Electives - 14 credits

View the complete Course of Study (pdf).

Two semesters of senior research or two full-time upper level biology courses each with a laboratory component, as well as two additional full-time upper level biology courses.