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)
Students take ENG 101 during their first semester and ENG 102 during the second semester. Students needing extra assistance in English writing skills will take ENG 100 or ENG 116. Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum.
| ENG 100 | Composition I Enhanced | 5.00 |
| ENG 116 | Composition for Multilingual Students | 5.00 |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3.00 |
and
Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)
| CEP 123 | College and Career Success | 2.00 |
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)
Related Math/Science Requirements (22 credits)
| CHEM 241 | Organic Chemistry I | 3.00 |
| CHEM 241L | Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences Laboratory I | 1.00 |
| CHEM 242 | Organic Chemistry II | 3.00 |
| CHEM 242L | Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences Laboratory II | 1.00 |
| CHEM 474 | Biochemistry I | 3.00 |
| PHYS 151A | General Physics I - Lecture | 3.00 |
| PHYS 151L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1.00 |
| PHYS 152A | General Physics II - Lecture | 3.00 |
| PHYS 152L | General Physics II Laboratory | 1.00 |
| STAT 391 | Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences | 3.00 |
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. No more than 6 total credit hours can come from: BIOL 399, BIOL 491, BIOL 492.
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.
No more than 6 total credit hours can come from: BIOL 399, BIOL 491, BIOL 492.
Concentration in Physiology (16 Credits)
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 the following courses:
Choose 6 credits from the following courses:
Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology (16 Credits)
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 the following courses:
Choose 10 additional credit hours from the following courses:
Concentration in Evolution and Ecology (16 Credits)
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 the following course:
Choose 12 credits from the following courses:
General Electives (17-28 Credits)
General elective course credits are taken to complete the 120 credits needed for graduation.
Upper Division Electives (9 Credits)
At least 9 credits of electives must be Upper Division courses.
Note: A course cannot be used to fulfill both a degree requirement and the core curriculum, or to fulfill more than one core requirement.