2015-2016 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biology, B.S.


The Biology program prepares majors to begin a professional career in the life sciences. Agriculture, wildlife management, forestry, the food industry, the drug and pharmacy industries, public health and environmental protection all provide career opportunities for biologists. In addition, the program offers excellent preparation for professional studies in biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, as well as for pre-law programs in environmental and health regulatory law.  Participation in undergraduate research is strongly encouraged.

Optional minors include Chemistry or Education, though no minor is required. In addition, an Emphasis or Concentration can be earned. See “Required courses” section below for details.

Biology Major - General Education Requirements


 

  • One course in art, music, performance, or aesthetics
  • One additional course in English or in a foreign language
  • One additional humanities elective from English, the arts, aesthetics, foreign language, humanities, philosophy, or religion
  • One course in American history or government
  • One course in philosophy
  • Two additional social science electives from different disciplines: economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, or sociology.
  • Two courses approved by the adviser and selected from disciplines within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Additional Required Courses


In addition to the core, students must take six courses from at least two of the four ‘baskets’. At least two of these courses must be 300 level or higher. If four of these courses come from the same ‘basket’, the student has an EMPHASIS in that basket.  

For an emphasis in Environmental Science, HIST 325 and HUM 475 must be taken as the General Education Humanities Requirements. This EMPHASIS also requires a physical science course, which can be satisfied with SCI 222 or SCI 309. A chemistry minor is strongly recommended for this EMPHASIS.