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.
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).
| 81.111 | Principles of Biology I | 3 cr |
| 81.117 | Experimental Biology I | 1 cr |
| 81.112 | Principles of Biology II | 3 cr |
| 81.118 | Experimental Biology II | 1 cr |
| 81.201 | General Microbiology | 3 cr |
| 81.203 | General Microbiology Lab | 2 cr |
| 81.252 | Physiology | 5 cr |
| 81.335 | Principles of Genetics | 3 cr |
| 81.337 | Experimental Genetics | 1 cr |
| 81.419 | Biochemistry I | 3 cr |
| 81.421 | Techniques in Biochemistry | 2 cr |
| 81.451 |
Senior Seminar in Advanced Topics[required twice] |
2 cr |
Supporting Science & Math
| 84.121 | Chemistry I | 3 cr |
| 84.123 | Chemistry I Lab | 1 cr |
| 84.122 | Chemistry II | 3 cr |
| 84.124 | Chemistry II Lab | 1 cr |
| 84.221 | Organic Chemistry IA | 3 cr |
| 84.229 | Organic Chemistry Lab IA | 1 cr |
| 84.222 | Organic Chemistry IIA | 3 cr |
| 84.230 | Organic Chemistry Lab IIA | 1 cr |
| 92.131 | Calculus I | 4 cr |
| 92.132 | Calculus II | 4 cr |
| 92.385 | Applied Statistics | 3 cr |
| 95.103 | General Physics I | 3 cr |
| 95.104 | General Physics II | 3 cr |
| 96.103 | General Physics Lab I | 1 cr |
| 96.104 | General Physics Lab II | 1 cr |
General Biology Option
Environmental Elective - 3 credits
| 81.315 | Principles of Ecology | 3 cr |
| OR | ||
| 81.404 | Environmental Microbiology | 3 cr |
| OR | ||
| 81.423 | Biology of Global Change | 3 cr |
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.
Major
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Department Description
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