Major in Biology B.A.
Major in Biology, B.A. with Secondary Education Certification Option
Major in Biology B.S.
Major in Health Science (Major in Pre-Med/Allied Health)
The BA in biology requires coursework drawn primarily from the biology program complemented by the general University requirements for graduation. Students often combine the BA in biology with a second major or minor in such areas as chemistry, computer science, business administration, physical education or education. Biologists feel a sense of adventure in the search to understand the living world. The study of biology should increase your awareness and appreciation of the living world, enhance your ability in creative problem-solving, and guide you in the practice of disciplined analysis and the scientific method as well as give you entry to a challenging and rewarding career.
Students may also elect to minor in biology.
Required Courses: 30 semester hours
| BIO1210 | Biology of Cells (4) |
| BIO1220 | Biology of Organisms (4) |
| BIO3150 | Invertebrate Biology (4) |
| OR |
|
| BIO3250 | Vertebrate Biology (4) |
| BIO3260 | Comparative Botany (4) |
| OR |
|
| BIO3270 | Plant Physiology (4) |
| BIO3400 | Genetics (4) |
| CHM1200 | Principles of Chemistry (4) |
| OR |
|
| CHM1310 | General Chemistry I (4) |
| NSM3100WI | Research and Writing in the Natural Sciences (3) |
| NSM4990 | Senior Capstone in Natural Sciences (3) |
Required Courses: One of the following mathematics courses (3 semester hours)
| MTH2320 | General Statistics (3) |
| MTH2700 | Statistics for Research (3) |
Selected Courses: Minimum of 3 courses (9-12 semester hours)
| BIO2200 | Humans and the Environment (4) |
| BIO2280 | Microbiology (4) |
| BIO2660 | Anatomy & Physiology I (4) |
| BIO2670 | Anatomy & Physiology II (4) |
| BIO3040 | Immunology (4) |
| BIO3370 | Conservation Biology (4) |
| BIO/CHM3380 | Biotechnology (3) |
| BIO3510 | Ecology (4) |
| BIO3520 | Animal Behavior (3) |
| BIO3530 | Evolution (4) |
| BIO3450 | Advanced Cellular Biology (4) |
Other courses which may be used up to a maximum of 6 semester horus from this group:
| BIO2830,3830, 4830 |
Directed Study (1-4) |
| BIO3940,4940 | Internship in Biology (2-4) |
| BIO3970 | Research in Biology (1-4) |
| BIO3980,4980 | Independent Study (1-4) |
| BIO3790 | ACCA Affiliated Course (2-4) |
It is highly recommended that students combine a Biology B.A. with one of the following: a minor in chemistry, teaching certification in secondary education or a second major.
Major in Biology, B.A. with Secondary education certification option
The BA in biology with a secondary certification option is designed for those students with a career interest in secondary education teaching. The following courses are required for the secondary teaching certification option in biology.
Required Courses: 50 semester hours
| BIO1210 | Biology of Cells (4) |
| BIO1220 | Biology of Organisms (4) |
| BIO2660 | Anatomy & Physiology I (4) |
| BIO2670 | Anatomy & Physiology II (4) |
| BIO3150 | Invertebrate Biology (4) |
| OR |
|
| BIO3250 | Vertebrate Biology (4) |
| BIO3260 | Comparative Botany (4) |
| BIO3380 | Biotechnology (3) |
| BIO3400 | Genetics (4) |
| BIO3510 | Ecology (4) |
| BIO3530 | Evolution (4) |
| BIO3820 | Methods of Teaching Secondary Science-Biology (4) |
| CHM1310 | General Chemistry I (4) |
| NSM1150 | Science Foundations (4) |
| NSM1300 | Earth Science (4) |
| NSM4990 | Senior Capstone in Natural Sciences (3) |
Other courses which may be used up to a maximum of 6 semester hours from this group:
| BIO2830,3830, 4830 |
Directed Study (1-4) |
| BIO3940,4940 | Internship in Biology (2-4) |
| BIO3970 | Research in Biology (1-4) |
| BIO3980,4980 | Independent Study (1-4) |
| BIO3790 | ACCA Affiliated Course (2-4) |
NOTE: NSM1150 Science Foundations and NSM1300 Earth Science must also be taken as either General Education science distribution courses or as electives. Students wishing to substitute another course or experience for one of these courses must submit a portfolio which clearly demonstrates that all of the associated Illinois outcomes will or have been met. Prescribed professional education courses must also be successfully completed.
The BS in biology is a comprehensive program providing a firm foundation in several different aspects of science, including biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. The BS degree in Biology is recommended for students who intend to continue their education in a graduate school or an advanced technical school, and for those who want a strong, broad-based degree in the natural sciences. Biologists feel a sense of adventure in the search to understand the living world. The study of biology should increase your awareness and appreciation of the living world, enhance your ability in creative problem-solving, and guide you in the practice of disciplined analysis and the scientific method as well as give you entry to a challenging and rewarding career.
Required Courses: 30 semester hours| BIO1210 | Biology of Cells (4) |
| BIO1220 | Biology of Organisms (4) |
| BIO3150 | Invertebrate Biology (4) |
| OR |
|
| BIO3250 | Vertebrate Biology (4) |
| BIO3260 | Comparative Botany (4) |
| OR |
|
| BIO3270 | Plant Physiology (4) |
| BIO3400 | Genetics (4) |
| CHM1310 | General Chemistry I (4) |
| CHM1320 | General Chemistry II (4) |
| CHM2410 | Organic Chemistry I (4) |
| CHM2420 | Organic Chemistry II (4) |
| PHY2210 | General Physics I (4) |
| PHY2220 | General Physics II (4) |
| NSM3100WI | Research and Writing in the Natural Sciences (3) |
| NSM4990 | Senior Capstone in the Natural Sciences (3) |
One of the following three courses based on results of the Mathematics Competency Examination: 3-4 semester hours
| MTH2120 | Calculus for Management and Sciences (3) |
| MTH2210 | Calculus I (4) |
| MTH2700 | Statistics for Research (3) |
Selected Courses: Minimum of 3 courses (9-12 semsester hours)
| BIO2280 | Microbiology (4) |
| BIO2660 | Anatomy & Physiology I (4) |
| BIO2670 | Anatomy & Physiology II (4) |
| BIO3040 | Immunology (4) |
| BIO3370 | Conservation Biology (4) |
| BIO3380 | Biotechnology (3) |
| BIO3510 | Ecology (4) |
| BIO3520 | Animal Behavior (3) |
| BIO3530 | Evolution (4) |
| BIO3450 | Advanced Cellular Biology (4) |
| BIO/CHM3550 | Biochemistry (3) |
| BIO3600 | Molecular Biology (3) |
Other courses which may be used up to a maximum of 8 semester hours from this group:
| BIO2830,3830, 4830 |
Directed Study (1-4) |
| BIO3940,4940 | Internship in Biology (2-4) |
| BIO3970 | Research in Biology (1-4) |
| BIO3980,4980 | Independent Study (1-4) |
| BIO3790 | ACCA Affiliated Course (2-4) |
Major in Health Science B.S. (Pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, and allied health programs)
A challenging career in the health sciences rewards those with a passion for science and service. Strong performance in academic coursework and on national admission tests is essential, as are personal qualities such as integrity, concern for the well-being of others, and a commitment to lifelong service. Career options include allopathic, osteopathic, chiropractic, naturopathic, and veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and dietetics. The health science degree provides a strong background in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology, and includes courses in nutrition, health, bio-gerontology, exercise, and psychology. A clinical experience or internship in one of the health care professions is highly recommended.
Division I: Science Core Program: 27 or 28 semester hours| BIO1210 | Biology of Cells (4) |
| BIO3080 | Nutrition and Health Promotion (4) |
| CHM1310 | General Chemistry I (4) |
| CHM1320 | General Chemistry II (4) |
| MTH2210 | Calculus I (4) |
| OR |
|
| MTH2120 | Calculus for Management and Sciences (3) |
| OR |
|
| MTH2700 | Statistics for Research (3) |
| PHY2210 | General Physics I (4) |
| PHY2220 | General Physics II (4) |
Division II: Required Courses: 25 semester hours
| BIO2660 | Anatomy and Physiology I (4) |
| BIO2670 | Anatomy and Physiology II (4) |
| BIO2750 | Health Professions Seminar (2) |
| BIO3400 | Genetics (4) |
| CHM2410 | Organic Chemistry I (4) |
| CHM2420 | Organic Chemistry II (4) |
| NSM4990 | Senior Capstone in Natural Sciences (3) |
Division III: Selected Courses: Choose 12 semester hours from the following
| BIO2280 | Microbiology (4) |
| BIO3040 | Immunology (4) |
| BIO3050 | Pathophysiology (3) |
| *BIO3250 | Vertebrate Biology (4) |
| BIO3260 | Comparative Botany (4) |
| BIO3360 | Biogerontology (4) |
| *BIO3370 | Conservation Biology (4) |
| BIO3380 | Biotechnology (3) |
| BIO3450 | Advanced Cell Biology (4) |
| *BIO3510 | Ecology (4) |
| *BIO3520 | Animal Behavior (3) |
| BIO3530 | Evolution (4) |
| BIO/CHM3550 | Biochemistry (3) |
| BIO3600 | Molecular Biology (3) |
| BIO3790 | ACCA Affiliated Course (2-4) |
| BIO3810/4810 | Selected Topic (2-4) |
| BIO3940/4940 | Internship in Biology (2-4) |
| BIO3970 | Research in Biology (1-4) |
| BIO4980 | Independent Study (1-4) |
* Students who are pre-veterinary are strongly encouraged to consider these courses as part of their selected courses.
| BIO2660 | Anatomy & Physiology I (4) |
| BIO2670 | Anatomy & Physiology II (4) |
