Undergraduate Catalog

B.S. in Biology

Overview

The Bachelor of Science degree in biology is designed for students who want a more intensive background in the sciences. It is especially tailored for students who aspire for graduate studies in biology or a related field, or who wish to enter medical, dental, or veterinary school. The Bachelor of Science degree in biology differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree in biology in that it requires additional courses in physics, mathematics, and a senior capstone.

Students must complete Principles of Biology for Science Majors I and II (BIO 107, 108) with a grade of C or better before declaring a major in biology.

Summary of Requirements

  2024-2025
Core Curriculum 43
Pre-Major Courses 8
Major and Related Courses 62
Free Elective Courses 7
TOTAL: 120

 

A biology major must complete at least one internship in the field. 

Required pre-major courses 8 credits

BIO 107Principles of Biology for Science Majors I

3

BIO 108Principles of Biology for Science Majors II

3

BIO 109LPrinciples of Biology for Science Majors I - Laboratory

1

BIO 110LPrinciples of Biology for Science Majors II - Laboratory

1

Required Biology Courses 11 credits

BIO 211Genetics

4

BIO 241Ecology

4

STM 403Senior Capstone

3

Required chemistry courses 16 credits

CHE 107General Chemistry I

3

CHE 108General Chemistry II

3

CHE 109General Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHE 110General Chemistry Laboratory II

1

CHE 211Organic Chemistry Lecture I

3

CHE 212Organic Chemistry Lecture II

3

CHE 213Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CHE 214Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

1

Required physics courses 8 credits

PHY 151Physics I

3

PHY 152Physics II

3

PHY 153Physics I Laboratory

1

PHY 154Physics II Laboratory

1

Required mathematics course 9 credits

MAT 130Precalculus

3

MAT 150Calculus I

3

MAT 211Biostatistics

3

MAT 130: Three hours count toward the general education math requirement.

Elective biology courses 18 credits

You may choose to build your own tracks from the following electives.

BIO 106Medical Terminology

3

BIO 195Special Topics

1-5

BIO 221Microbiology

5

BIO 231Zoology

4

BIO 233Human Anatomy and Physiology I

4

BIO 242Evolution

3

BIO 243Botany

4

BIO 251Nutrition

3

BIO 295Special Topics

1-5

BIO 296Research Experience I

1-3

BIO 321Pathogenic Microbiology

5

BIO 333Human Anatomy & Physiology II

4

BIO 341Marine Biology

3

BIO 395Special Topics

1-5

BIO 396Research Experience II

1-3

BIO 404Senior Capstone II

3

BIO 411Human Genetics

3

BIO 495Special Topics

1-5

BIO 496Research Experience III

1-3

BIO 499Independent Study

1-3

CHE 325Biochemistry: Proteins and DNA

3

CHE 327Biochemistry Laboratory I

1

CHE 326Biochemistry: Nutrients and Metabolism

3

CHE 328Biochemistry Laboratory II

1

CHE 420/HSL 785Pharmacology

2

PHS 101Foundations of Public Health

3

DAS 532UFundamentals of Geographic Information Systems

3

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of current theories of biology and concepts basic to biology, including: Levels of complexity (molecular/cellular through population/communities/ecosystems); biological principles and processes; connections among concepts across disciplines (physical sciences, mathematics, social sciences).

 

2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills through: Identifying appropriate questions, issues or problems to be explored; analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating evidence; constructing well-supported, clearly articulated arguments and conclusions.

 

3. Demonstrate information literacy and research skills through effective use of: Sources of information in biology including published literature and scientific databases; computer applications to acquire and analyze experimental data and develop graphic models. 4. Demonstrate experimental research methods including: Scientific methods and instrumentation; safe and appropriate use of laboratory equipment; experimental design; data analysis; familiarity with professional standards in science.

 

5. Demonstrate effective communication with varied audiences and media by: Providing clear structure and transitions; demonstrating substantial understanding via research, credible sources, and supporting evidence; demonstrating audience-appropriate purpose, agenda, language, and style.

 

6. Demonstrate preparation for future career and educational goals by: awareness of personal competencies (strengths and weaknesses); ability to work in a team to accomplish a goal; understanding of professional and ethical behavior.

Subject:

Biology