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Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2006: Programs

Major in Biology, BA

Bachelor of Arts
Biology, BA (includes Secondary Certification Option)*
(See also Biology BS, Environmental Science BS, and Health Science BS)

Biologists 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 as well as give you entry to an existing career.

Biologists are in demand for employment in commercial firms in areas such 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: 15 semester hours
BIO1210 Biology of Cells (4)
BIO1220 Biology of Organisms (4)
CHM1310 General Chemistry I (4)
NSM4990 Senior Capstone in Natural Sciences (3)

Selected Courses: Minimum of 27 semester hours.
A minimum of one course is required from each of Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 and at least one plant course (BIO3260 or BIO3060) must be included. The use of selected topic courses in biology will be determined on a course by course basis with approval of the program chair.

Group 1: Diversity of Organisms
BIO3150 Invertebrate Biology (4)
BIO3250 Vertebrate Biology (4)
BIO3260 Comparative Botany (4)
BIO3280 Microbiology (4)

Group 2: Organism Interaction with the Environment

BIO2200 Humans and the Environment (4)
BIO3370 Conservation Biology (3)
BIO3510 Ecology (4)
BIO3520 Animal Behavior (3)
BIO3530 Evolution (4)

Group 3: Structure and Function of Organisms

BIO2660 Anatomy & Physiology I (4)
BIO2670 Anatomy & Physiology II (4)
BIO3270 Plant Physiology (4)

Group 4: Molecular and Cellular Biology

BIO3400 Genetics (4)
BIO3450 Advanced Cellular Biology (4)
BIO/CHM3550 Biochemistry (3)

Group 5: Biotechnology

BIO/CHM3380 Biotechnology (3)

Group 6: 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)

It is highly recommended that students combine a Biology BA with one of the following: a minor in chemistry, teaching certification in secondary education, or a second major.

*Certification for teaching biology at the secondary level requires completion of a degree program that includes BIO1210 Biology of Cells, BIO1220 Organisms, BIO2660 Anatomy and Physiology I, BIO2670 Anatomy and Physiology II, BIO3150 Invertebrate Biology or BIO3250 Vertebrate Biology, BIO3260 Comparative Botany, BIO3400 Genetics, BIO3510 Ecology, BIO3530 Evolution, BIO/CHM3380 Biotechnology and CHM1310 General Chemistry. NSM1300 Earth Science and NSM1150 Science Foundations 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, including EDU3820 Methods of Teaching Secondary Science Biology, offered by the College of Education must also be successfully completed.

Posted 31 December 2003
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