Biology Major (BA) - Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology Concentration

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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 a concentration. BA students may choose a concentration in Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology or Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. BS students may choose a concentration in Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; or Public Health. 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.

Research Experience

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

Biology Major (BA) Core 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

Diversity, equity, ethics, and inclusion (choose one):

BIOL 1980 - Special Topics: Inclusive Science or STEM Equity
PHIL 1140 - Ethics
PHIL 1980 - Special Topics: Bioethics

Biology seminar:

Senior capstone:

BIOL 5960 - Senior Capstone

Biology 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 of molecules and cells:

Biology of organisms:

Biology of populations:

Concentration in Genetics, Molecular, and Cellular Biology

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.

Choose four courses from the list below. Additional courses may be used with the approval of the Biology department chair.