The Biology program identifies as its central role to create scientific literacy in addressing biological issues, enhancing opportunities for a diverse student population to enter graduate, professional and entry-level career positions in biology. The Biology program infrastructure provides ongoing support, guidance and encouragement to our students as they strive to meet personal and professional goals.
1. Students will develop scientific literacy.
2. Students will develop proficiency with important tools of modern science
3. Students will appreciate the vast, interconnected biodiversity of life on earth
4. Students will understand the cell as a fundamental unit of life
Curriculum
Recommended Schedule
A recommended course sequence for
Biology B.S. is provided for students as guidance to complete their major in four years.
College Core Curriculum (33-44)
English (3-8 credits)
Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum
Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)
Refer to the Study and Technology Skills section of the Core Curriculum
Mathematics (4 credits)
Natural Sciences (8 credits)
Social Sciences (3 credits)
Refer to the Social Sciences section of the Core Curriculum
Fine Arts (3 credits)
Refer the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum
Humanities (6 credits)
Refer to the Humanities section of the Core Curriculum
Constitution (3-6 credits)
Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum
Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
Refer to the Cultural Diversity section of the Core Curriculum
Major Requirements (59)
Biology Courses (21 Credits)
| BIOL 190 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 4.00 |
| BIOL 190A | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lecture | 3.00 |
| BIOL 190L | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lab | 1.00 |
| BIOL 191 | Introduction to Organismal Biology | 4.00 |
| BIOL 191A | Introduction to Organismal Biology Lecture | 3.00 |
| BIOL 191L | Introduction to Organismal Biology Lab | 1.00 |
| BIOL 209 | Cell Processes | 3.00 |
| BIOL 220 | Introduction to Ecological Principles | 3.00 |
| BIOL 300 | Principles of Genetics | 4.00 |
| BIOL 300A | Principles of Genetics | 3.00 |
| BIOL 300L | Principles of Genetics Laboratory | 1.00 |
| BIOL 415 | Evolution | 3.00 |
Related Math/Science Requirements (22 credits)
Upper Division Biology Electives (16 credits)
Students may choose from any of the electives listed below, or may complete the classes specifically required for one of the three optional 16-credit concentrations (Cellular and Molecular Biology; Physiology; Ecology and Evolution). Students should discuss the best option with their advisors.
Students must choose from the following courses (see catalog for pre-requisites). At least one elective must be a 4-credit course that has a lab/field experience component.
Optional Concentrations (16 credits)
Concentrations are optional for the biology major. If students complete one of the three biology concentrations options (physiology, cellular & molecular biology, evolution & ecology), the courses will count towards the 16 upper division biology electives credits required for the degree.
At least one elective must be a 4-credit course that has a lab/field experience component.
Concentration in Physiology
The Biology program identifies as its central role to create scientific literacy in addressing biological issues, enhancing opportunities for a diverse student population to enter graduate, professional and entry-level career positions in biology. The Biology program infrastructure provides ongoing support, guidance and encouragement to our students as they strive to meet personal and professional goals.
Students must take BIOL 405 (Molecular & Cell Biology), BIOL 440 (Mammalian Physiology), BIOL 448 (Mammalian Physiology Lab) and BIOL 414 (Endocrinology). They must also take 6 additional credits from the following courses: BIOL 306, BIOL 319, BIOL 405L, BIOL 409, BIOL 453, BIOL 473, BIOL 475, CHEM 306, CHEM 456, CHEM 475.
Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
The Biology program identifies as its central role to create scientific literacy in addressing biological issues, enhancing opportunities for a diverse student population to enter graduate, professional and entry-level career positions in biology. The Biology program infrastructure provides ongoing support, guidance and encouragement to our students as they strive to meet personal and professional goals.
Students must take
BIOL 405 and
BIOL 453, plus 10 additional credits selected from the following courses:
BIOL 306,
BIOL 351,
BIOL 405L,
BIOL 409,
BIOL 414,
BIOL 416,
BIOL 440,
BIOL 448,
BIOL 457,
BIOL 460,
BIOL 470,
BIOL 473,
BIOL 475;
CHEM 306,
CHEM 380,
CHEM 456,
CHEM 472,
CHEM 475
Concentration in Evolution and Ecology
The Biology program identifies as its central role to create scientific literacy in addressing biological issues, enhancing opportunities for a diverse student population to enter graduate, professional and entry-level career positions in biology. The Biology program infrastructure provides ongoing support, guidance and encouragement to our students as they strive to meet personal and professional goals.
Students must take BIOL 441 plus 12 additional credits from the following courses (see catalog for pre-reqs):