Biology Major (BS)

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Biology students may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology. Students preparing for graduate or professional schools are strongly encouraged to pursue the BS degree. Students interested in a particular field of biology may decide to pursue one of two concentrations: Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology; or Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Students should consult with a biology faculty member to determine which path is most appropriate for their goals and whether adding a concentration to their biology major will be beneficial for their career path.

The biology program starts with a two course sequence that provides an overview of biologically related fields, emphasizes connections between biological concepts, as well as relevance and social implications of biological research, and helps students navigate the broad field of biology. Biology majors draw basic theoretical and practical tools from allied sciences by completing required courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Collaboration and research as a learning process is a pervasive theme of the biology major. Many biology courses feature independent or team original research projects as the focus of the laboratory. During the junior and senior years, students participate in the biology seminar program, and in the senior year they present a seminar drawn from their research. Internships that introduce students to careers in the basic biological sciences, health sciences, and industry are emphasized.

Major Requirements

Biology Foundation:

General Chemistry:

Students must complete either General Chemistry I and II or Advanced General Chemistry.

Statistics (choose one):

MATH 1200 - Statistics
QMBE 1310 - Statistics
Other equivalent course in statistics

Organic Chemistry:

General Physics (2 courses):

Quantitative Emphasis (2 courses):

Students must complete Calculus I and one other course.

MATH 1170 - Calculus I
MATH 1180 - Calculus II
CHEM 3240 - Analytical Chemistry (with Lab)
ECON 1500 - Methods and Modeling for Economics, Finance, and Analytics
PBHL 3100 - Epidemiology
Another quantitative course with department approval

Electives:

Six elective courses are required from the lists below. At least one course must be taken in each category. Inquire with the Biology department chairperson about which category other upper-level Biology major courses may fit (for example, BIOL 3980 special topics). Note: At least one 5000 level elective is required.

Biology Seminar and Capstone:

Optional Concentration

Students may choose to pursue a concentration as part of the biology major. The concentration is completed as part of the six-course elective requirement. Each concentration is comprised of four focused courses; the two remaining electives must be chosen from the elective categories above (Biology of Molecules and Cells, Biology of Organisms, and Biology of Populations) to ensure the student has at least one course in each category.

Concentration in Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology

Four courses are required from the list below (or another course approved by the Chair of the Biology Department).

Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Four courses are required from the list below (or another course approved by the Chair of the Department).

Research Experience

Although not required, the Biology department strongly encourages students to participate in Research in Biology (BIOL 5700), Collaborative Research (BIOL 4010), or an internship. Collaborative research and internships are not counted as electives within the major.