Biology Major, B.S.

The Department of Biology degree program provides students with the conceptual framework to examine living organisms from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. Students in both the Biology Major, B.A. and Biology Major, B.S. gain comprehensive knowledge of biological principles as well as the analytical skills and laboratory and field-based scientific training necessary to pursue graduate studies, conduct contemporary biological research, or directly enter the workforce. These majors allow students the flexibility to tailor their coursework toward a particular discipline of interest. The difference between the majors is in the required number of upper division biology and non-biology STEM courses. Students should consult with a faculty advisor for degree planning towards field-specific career or post-baccalaureate goals.

Student Outcomes

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.

Biology Major Required Courses: 19-20 credits

Biology Elective Requirement: 26-27 credits

Upper division course requirement

At least 27 semester hours of the major (including General Genetics and General Ecology) must be 3000- and 4000-level BIO courses approved by the Biology Department faculty.

Required Non-Biology Courses: 26-27 credits

Required Chemistry Courses: 10 credits

All students must complete one of the following course sequences. CHE 1100 and CHE 1150 or CHE 1800 and CHE 1801 courses may also count toward the Natural and Physical Science General Studies requirements.

Required Mathematics Courses: 7-8 credits

All students must complete two semesters of Mathematics starting with MTH 1109, MTH 1110, or above. The Math courses may also count toward the Quantitative Literacy General Studies requirements.

Required Non-Biology Science Electives: 9 credits

Choose 9 additional credits from the following list of courses. At least 6 credits must be upper division (3000- or 4000-level). Any mathematics course chosen from the list below is in addition to the two required mathematics courses.

Anthropology

Brewing Science

Civil Engineering Technology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Environmental Science

Exercise Science

Geography

Geology

Geographic Information Systems

Integrative Therapeutic Practices

Mathematics

Meteorology

Nutrition

Physics

Psychology

Senior Experience: 3 credits