The Biology Major
Requirements for the Major
- Fulfill University baccalaureate degree requirements.
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for all coursework in biology.
- Complete the biology core (40–42 credits):
Principles of Biology (BI 211, 212, 213) 12 Plant Physiology (BI 331) (required for the Botany option) or Comparative Animal Physiology (BI 314) (required for the Zoology option) 4 Introductory Ecology (BI 340) 4 Genetics (BI 341) 4 Cell Biology (BI 342) 4 Developmental Biology (BI 343) 4 Evolution (BI 446) 4 Capstone 4–6 - Those seeking a biology degree without an option must complete 20 credits of upper division biology electives. Those seeking an option with their degree should consult the section below, Options for the Major, to see how these 20 credits must be distributed. Note that the Biomedical Science option requires 24 credits of upper division biology electives. The following courses may not be used: BI 330, 380–389, 401–405, 409, 490, 491, or 492. A maximum of 3 credits from the following courses may be applied to this requirement: 1 credit of BI 407 and up to 3 credits of BI 408. In addition, 4 credits of biochemistry may be applied to this requirement.
- Complete the General Chemistry sequence with labs:
CH 201, 204; CH 202, 205; CH 203, 206 15 - Complete the Principles of Organic Chemistry sequence or the Organic Chemistry sequence with labs:
CH 331, 337; CH 332, 338 11
orCH 334, 337; CH 335, 340; CH 336, 341 16 - Complete 12–15 credits of physical science from:
General Physics with lab (PH 201, 224; PH 202, 225; PH 203, 226) 12
orPH 221, 224; PH 222, 225; PH 223, 226 15
orGeology (G 101, 102, 103) 12 - Complete the following math courses:
Calculus I (MTH 251) 4 Calculus II (MTH 252) 4 Elementary Statistics (MTH 243) 4
orCalculus I (MTH 251) 4 Elementary Statistics (MTH 243) 4 Applied Inferential Statistics (MTH 244) 4
Suggested First Year Program
| University Seminar (USEM 101, 102, 103) | 12 |
| BI 211, 212, 213 | 12 |
| CH 201, 204; 202, 205; 203, 206 | 15 |
| Other approved courses | 6 |
Capstone
The capstone is a research project in which students integrate skills and information learned in the major. Students plan a research project, write a project proposal, conduct research, write a final report, and make an oral presentation to faculty and peers. Options for meeting the capstone requirement include:
- Complete BI 490, 491, or 492 (4 credits).
- With approval, work individually with a faculty mentor and complete 3 credits of BI 402 and 1 credit of BI 404.
- If admitted to the department honors program, work individually with a faculty mentor and complete 4 credits of BI 402 and 2 credits of BI 404.
Biology Major with Biomedical Science Option
- Complete the biology core requirements with the following modifications:
- Ecology (BI 340) is not required; however, it may be taken for elective credit (see below).
- In addition to the existing capstone option, a student in this track may satisfy the capstone requirement by completing a minimum of 3 credits of Practicum: Capstone (BI 409) and 1 credit of Capstone Thesis (BI 404).
- Ecology (BI 340) is not required; however, it may be taken for elective credit (see below).
- Select 3 courses from:
Microbiology (BI 351 and 353) 6 Advanced Animal Physiology (BI 414) 4 Molecular Biology (BI 425) 4 Immunology (BI 456) 4 Biochemistry (CH 350 or 451) 3–4 - Complete 12 additional credits from:
Topics in Biology: Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III (BI 330) 12 or Any approved upper division courses that count as electives toward the biology degree, including Ecology (BI 340) 12
Chemistry
Same as all biology options.
Mathematics
Complete:
| Elementary Statistics (MTH 243) | 4 |
| Calculus I (MTH 251) | 4 |
Physical Science
Complete:
| General Physics (PH 201, 224; 202, 225; 203, 226)* | 12 |
*PH 221 and 223 may be substituted for PH 201 and 203.
