Department of Biological Sciences
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
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Undergraduate Requirements
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The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. The department has specialized courses in three major divisions: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Evolution and Ecology. Courses are designed to prepare students for a wide variety of fields and future careers including dentistry, conservation ecology, health-science related careers, environmental sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine, microbiology, physical therapy, molecular biology, biomedical research and biotechnology. Suggested programs and course sequences suitable to these fields are available in the department office. Refer to the Course Descriptions in the Undergraduate Bulletin for more information on each course. Career advisement is also available from departmental faculty concerning course selection appropriate for a specific discipline.
The Bachelor of Science degree is recommended for those students who wish to pursue careers in the Biological Sciences. The B.S. degree in Biology requires a minimum of 37 semester hours from within the Department of Biological Sciences, along with the required support courses and the required minor courses.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is recommended only for those who plan careers in business or secondary education careers related to the Biological Sciences. Students seeking admission to medically related profession should complete the B.S. program.
Requirements for the B.S. in Biological Sciences Degree
All students pursuing the B.S. degree in Biological Sciences are required to take the General Biology course sequence and Genetics. These courses provide a generalized overview of all aspects of biology and the underlying genetic relationships among living organisms. Students then individualize their educational experience by selecting core and upper division courses that match their areas of interest and future career goals. Supporting courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics needed for the understanding and appreciation of biological complexity are also required for the B.S. degree. Students then finish their undergraduate experience with the senior level Capstone course which serves to integrate their understanding of all aspects of biological processes.
Required Biology Courses
BIOL 2601 - General Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 2602 - General Biology: Organisms and Ecology
BIOL 3721 - Genetics
BIOL 4861 - Senior Biology Capstone Experience
Biology Core Courses
Students must take a minimum of 1 course from 2 of the following groups (2 courses total, not from same group).
Group 1
BIOL 3711 - Cell Biology: Fine Structure
BIOL 3702 - Microbiology
Group 2
BIOL 3730 - Human Physiology
Group 3
BIOL 3740 - Plant Diversity
BIOL 3741 - Animal Diversity
Biology Upper Division Courses
Students must take at least one 4800 or 5800 Biology course with a laboratory component.A minimum total of 37 semester hours (s.h.) in Biology is required.
Additional Required Courses
Chemistry
CHEM 1515 and 1516 - General Chemistry 1 and 2, with labs
CHEM 3719 and 3720 - Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, with labs
CHEM 3719R and 3720R - Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 Recitations are required to complete the minor in Chemistry
Physics
PHYS 1501, 150L, 1502, and 1502L - Fundamentals of Physics 1 and 2, with labs
Mathematics
MATH 1570 - Applied Calculus 1 or MATH 1571 - Calculus 1
STAT 3717 - Statistical Methods
Additional University Requirements
English: ENGL 1550 and 1551 - Writing 1 and 2
Speech: COMST 1545 - Communication Theory and Practice
Foreign Language - completion of intermediate level (2600) language course or proficiency exam equivalent
General Education Requirements
Personal and Social Responsibility (PS) courses - 2 required
Artistic and Literary Perspectives (AL) courses - 2 to 3 courses required
Societies and Institutions (SI) courses - 2 to 3 courses
A total of 5 AL + SI courses are required
Intensive courses: 1 Oral Communication Intensive and 2 Writing Intensive courses are required. These are usually fulfilled with Biology courses taken as part of the B.S. degree.
A total of 124 s.h. is required for graduation, of which at least 48 s.h. must be at the 3700 or above level.
Generalized Curriculum for the B.S. in Biological Sciences Degree
Year One
| Fall Semester | s.h. | Spring Semester | s.h. |
| Biol 2601 General Biology 1 Chem 1515 General Chemistry 1 Chem 1515R Gen Chem Recitation (opt) Engl 1550 Writing 1 GER elective (SI) or foreign language |
4 4 1 3 3 Total: 14-15 |
Biol 2602 General Biology 2 Chem 1516 General Chemistry 2 Chem 1516R Gen Chem Recitation (opt) Engl 1551 Writing 2 GER elective (Comm. 1545) or foreign language |
4 4 1 3 3 Total: 14-15 |
Year Two
| Fall Semester | s.h. | Spring Semester | s.h. |
| Biology Core Course: Biol 3730 Human Physiology Biol 3711 Cell Biology Biol 3740 Plant Diversity 3721 Genetics Math 1570 or 1571 (Calculus) Chem 3719 Organic Chemistry 1 Chem 3719R Organic Chem Recitation {required for Chemistry minor} GER elective (AL) |
5 3 4 5 4 4 1 3 Total: 15-17 |
Biology Core Course: Biol 3711 Cell Biology Biol 3730 Human Physiology Biol 3741 Animal Diversity 3721 Genetics Stat 3717 Statistical Methods Chem 3720 Organic Chemistry 2 Chem 3720R Organic Chem Recitation {required for Chemistry minor} GER elective (SI) |
5 3 4 5 3 4 1 3 Total: 15-17 |
Year Three
| Fall Semester | s.h. | Spring Semester | s.h. |
| Biol 3700-5800 Biology course Phys 1501 Physics + Phys 1501L (Lab) GER electives (PS), (SI) GER elective (SI) or foreign language |
4 4+1 3+3 3 Total: 18 |
Biol 3700-5800 Biology course Phys 1502 Physics + Phys 1502L (Lab) GER electives (AL), (PS) Foreign language or Comm. 1545 |
4 3+1 3+3 3 Total: 18 |
Year Four
| Fall Semester | s.h. | Spring Semester | s.h. |
| Biol 3700 Biology Course Biol 5800 Biology Course Electives |
4 4 3+3+2 Total: 16 |
Biol 3700 Biology Course Biol 5800 Biology Course Electives |
4 2 3+3+3 Total: 17 |
Total Hours: 124
Electives may be substituted for English 1550 and 1551 if a student is excused based on results of Placement Test. Electives may be substituted for any portion of the foreign language requirement that a student is excused from based on the score of the Proficiency Test.
The Minor in Biological Sciences
Students with majors outside of Biology may supplement their degree with a minor in Biological Sciences.Requirements for the Minor in Biological Sciences
Required courses:
BIOL 2601 - General Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 2602 - General Biology: Organisms and Ecology
One of the following courses:
BIOL 3721 - Genetics
BIOL 3711 - Cell Biology: Fine Structure
BIOL 3730 - Human Physiology
BIOL 3740 - Plant Diversity
BIOL 3741 - Animal Diversity
One 4800 or 5800 Biology course with a laboratory.
One additional 3700, 4800, or 5800 Biology course.
A minimum total of 18 s.h. is required for the Minor in Biological Sciences.
Advisement
Students must meet with a Biology faculty member for advisement. Please come to the Biology Department office, Room 4037 in Ward Beecher Science Hall, to consult the listing of faculty interest areas and office hours. It is recommended that all students meet with their advisor at least once each academic year.
Important: The following students are required to meet with an advisor before registration: freshman, athletes, and students on warning or probation.
Important Notes
- Classes taken and/or repeated out of sequence will no count toward graduation. Check prerequisites.
- A total of eight courses muct be taken in NS/AL/SI; with no more than three courses in any one category; hence, the pattern may be 2-3-3, 3-2-3, or 3-3-2.
- A grade of "C or better is required in all major, minor, and support courses.
- The following courses do NOT count as hours toward graduation:
Math 1500
Math 1501
English 1509
English 1512