Major in Biology

Bachelor of Science
TRACK II: Biology, BS (includes Secondary Certification Option)*
(See also Medical Technology Option)**
Contemporary biology often requires work in the supporting areas of the physical sciences and mathematics. Students who enjoy science with a focus on living organisms will choose this area of concentration. Problem-solving in living systems is taught applying the tools of mathematics, physics and chemistry. 

The BS degree program is a comprehensive program providing a general background in several different aspects of science, including biology, chemistry, calculus, computer programming, 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, for those who want a strong, broad-based degree in the natural sciences, or for those entering the field of secondary education. This degree is also a strong liberal arts degree and provides entry into a range of nonbiological fields.

DIVISION I: Science Core Program: 31 semester hours
BIO121 Biology I: Cells
BIO122 Biology II: Organisms
CHM131 General Chemistry I
CHM132 General Chemistry II
CSC110 Introduction to Microcomputers
or
CSC150 Computer Science I
MTH221 Calculus I
MTH222 Calculus II
PHY221 General Physics I
PHY222 General Physics II

DIVISION II: Required Courses: 8 semester hours
BIO325 Comparative Zoology
BIO326 Comparative Botany
*EDU382 Methods for Teaching Secondary Science: Biology

DIVISION III: Selected Courses: Choose at least 33 semester hours from the following list.
BIO266 Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO267 Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO305 Developmental Biology
BIO306 Plant Physiology
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:
BIO 281, 381, 481 Selected Topic:
BIO283, 383, 484*** Directed Study:
BIO385, 485*** Workshop:
CHM355 Biochemistry

Comments:
The organic chemistry sequence (CHM241, 242, and 341) is strongly recommended for students expecting to attend graduate school.

The general degree requirements in science and math are fulfilled by completion of this science core.

* 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.

** Students interested in a career in Medical Technology can do so by either completing the Biology, B.S. degree before going on to a Medical Technology training program or by filing and completing a student initiated major. The latter is an intensive fast-track approach where the Medical Technology training program is entered, if accepted, after the junior year.

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