Major in Biology

Bachelor of Arts
TRACK I: Biology, BA (includes Secondary Certification Option)*
People who are attracted to a study of biology feel a sense of adventure in the search for truth about living processes. 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 that is scientific methodology.

Biologists are in demand for employment in commercial firms in such areas as agricultural products, biological supply, food processing, and health care materials. Research institutions hire biologists trained in a wide variety of specialties. National and state government agencies offer positions in both laboratory and field situations. Educational institutions at all levels hire the widest array of biologists. More and more people are interested in biology to gain entrance into or to advance in "the para-biological professions" such as social work, land-use planning, population control, and consumer protection. 

The BA in biology requires coursework drawn primarily from the biology program as well as the general university requirements for graduation, while the BS degree includes a strong support core in other areas of science and mathematics. 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.

Required Courses: 14-21 semester hours
BIO121 Biology I: Cells
BIO122 Biology II: Organisms
BIO326 Comparative Botany
EDU382* Methods for Teaching Secondary Science: Biology
CHM131 General Chemistry I
CHM132** General Chemistry II

Selected Courses: Choose at least 30 semester hours from the following list.
BIO266 Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO267 Anatomy & Physiology II
BIO305 Developmental Biology
BIO306 Plant Physiology
BIO325 Comparative Zoology
BIO328 Microbiology
BIO330 Immunology
BIO340 Genetics
BIO350 Pathophysiology
BIO351 Ecology
BIO352 Animal Behavior
BIO366-373*** Cooperative Botany Program
BIO379*** ACCA Affiliated Course
BIO397, 497*** Honors Research
BIO470 Contemporary Issue in Biology:
BIO498*** Independent Study:
BIO281, 381, 481 Selected Topic:
BIO283, 383, 484*** Directed Study:
BIO385, 485*** Workshop:

* Certification for teaching biology at the secondary level requires 32 semester hours equivalence in biology, of which 8 semester hours must be in plant science. The latter must include BIO326 and BIO306. Certification for teaching also requires a student to take the course EDU382 and the prescribed professional education courses offered by the School of Education. EDU382 is required only for those working for teacher certification.

** This course is required for a degree in teaching secondary biology. It is strongly recommended for anyone pursuing other careers in biology This may be applied to the science general education requirement.

*** Students may apply to the major no more than 9 semester hours in total from all the courses in this category.