A major in Biology offers a student both the theory and
experience to prepare for either postgraduate work or bachelor-level entry jobs
in industry or teaching. The requirements for the Biology major emphasize the
course requirements for medical, dental, physical or occupational therapy and
other professional schools. By carefully selecting biology electives,
undergraduates may prepare with an appropriate concentration for the particular
field in which to continue their studies in graduate school or an allied health
licensure program.
The majority of Biology majors are involved in a pre-professional program,
with the remainder entering industry or governmental occupations.
Biology-related jobs include those with environmental and health regulatory
agencies, consulting firms, research laboratories, and health-related
industries, such as pharmaceutical sales.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Biology Course Sequence
The curriculum of the
Biology major includes this major course sequence:
| Code |
Course |
Credit |
| BIOL 170 & 170L |
Introduction to Ecology and Evolution and Lab |
4 |
| BIOL 204 |
Botany |
4 |
| BIOL 207 |
General Zoology |
4 |
| BIOL 208 |
Introduction to Cellular, Genetic and Molecular Biology |
4 |
| BIOL 223S |
Oral Presentation in the Biological Sciences |
3 |
| BIOL 499 |
Senior Seminar |
1 |
|
Total: |
20 |
Students majoring in Biology are encouraged to pursue course studies in
computing sciences. Required courses to be completed by all majors include the
following allied courses:
| Code |
Course |
Credit |
| CHEM 103/104 |
General Chemistry |
4/4 |
| CHEM 301/302 |
Organic Chemistry |
4/4 |
| PHYS 111/112 |
Principles of Physics I, II |
4/4 |
| MATH 140 |
Calculus I |
4 |
MATH 141
or 206 |
Calculus II
Statistical Methods in Science |
4 |
|
Total: |
32 |
Additionally, students must complete 24 hours of upper division courses
numbered 300 or above, two courses of which must be writing intensive (BIOL /MSC
xxxWI), earning a minimum C- in at least one WI course, chosen from the
following categories:
Organismal
Choose at least one course (minimum 3 credit
hours):
| Code |
Course |
Credit |
| BIOL 301WI |
Microbiology |
4 |
| BIOL 302 |
Invertebrate Zoology |
4 |
| BIOL 303 |
Vertebrate Biology |
4 |
| BIOL 304WI |
Ichthyology |
4 |
| BIOL 305 |
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy |
5 |
| BIOL 312 |
Plant Taxonomy |
4 |
| BIOL335/336 |
Marine Mammal Biology and Lab |
3/1 |
| BIOL 406 |
Advanced Ornithology |
4 |
| MSC 407WI |
Marine Botany |
4 |
Ecology/Evolution
Choose at least one course:
| Code |
Course |
Credit |
| BIOL 306 |
Comparative Vertebrate Embryology |
5 |
| BIOL 314 |
Evolution |
3 |
| BIOL 320WI |
Human Ecology, Infectious and Zoonotic Disease |
4 |
| BIOL 404 |
Ecology |
4 |
| BIOL 412WI |
Physiological Ecology |
4 |
| BIOL 417WI |
Conservation Biology |
4 |
| BIOL 434WI |
Animal Behavior |
3 |
| MSC 310WI |
Marine Ecology |
4 |
| MSC 406WI |
Biological Oceanography |
3 |
Molecular/Cellular
Choose at least one course:
| Code |
Course |
Credit |
| BIOL 308 |
Immunology |
4 |
| BIOL 309 |
Animal Physiology |
4 |
| BIOL 402WI |
Cell Biology |
4 |
| BIOL 425 |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology I |
4 |
| BIOL 426WI |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology II |
4 |
The remaining 13-14 hours may be
chosen from any upper division course in BIOL or MSC. No more than four (4)
credit hours each and no more than eight (8) hours total may come from the
following three categories:
- Independent Study (BIOL/MSC 387, 388, 487, 488)
- Departmental Honors (BIOL/MSC 397, 398, 498, 498)
- Internship (BIOL/MSC 490)
Courses BIOL 170, 204, 207, 208 and 223 serve as prerequisites for all other
biology courses numbered 300 and above.
A minimum grade of “C-” is required of Biology majors in any course utilized
as a prerequisite. Biology majors must take an exit exam designated by the
department during their senior year as part of BIOL 499.
Students who wish to double major in Biology and Marine Science or Biology
and Biochemistry will only be allowed to double count those courses specifically
required for both majors. Upper division electives may not be counted toward
both majors simultaneously. Students who wish to major in Biology and minor in
Chemistry may only count BIOL/CHEM 425/426 Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular
Biology I or II towards requirements for one option.
Students interested in professional school (medical, dental, etc.) should
review the Pre Professional program description. Students who are interested in
biology/biomedical engineering are referred to the Engineering program
description.
Students who wish to pursue careers in medical technology
should complete a major in Biology with the upper division electives listed
below. Application for medical technology internships and programs should be
made in consultation with an academic advisor.
Students wishing to pursue Biomedical Engineering should refer to the
Engineering
section of the catalog.
| Code |
Course |
Credit |
| BIOL 301WI |
Microbiology |
4 |
| BIOL 308 |
Immunology |
4 |
| BIOL 425 |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology I |
4 |
| BIOL426WI |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology II |
4 |
| |
Total: |
16 |
MINOR REQUIREMENTS
| Code |
Course |
Credit |
BIOL170
& 170L |
Introduction to Ecology and Evolution and Lab |
4 |
| BIOL 204 |
Botany |
4 |
| BIOL 207 |
Zoology |
4 |
| BIOL 208 |
Introduction to Cellular, Genetic and Molecular Biology |
4 |
| |
Total: |
16 |
Additionally, students must choose two (2) BIOL courses numbered 300 and
above for a minimum of 20 hours.
BIOLOGY EDUCATION - SECONDARY LEVEL
Students who plan to teach Biology on the secondary level should complete
the education minor in consultation with the School of Education
early in their academic careers to determine the specific
requirements.
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