Biology (BS)

The BS in Biology prepares students for graduate or professional schools including medical, dental, and veterinary schools, and broadly prepares students in cellular, physiological, organismal, ecological and evolutionary biology. Note that some professional/graduate schools require a full year of physics and that students should work closely with their academic advisor to plan their coursework.

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
BI 1110Biological Science I (TECO)4
BI 1120Biological Science II4
BI 2270Integrative Biology (WECO)4
BI 3060Genetics4
BI 3130Evolution4
BI 3240Conservation (DICO,GACO,INCO) (Remove INCO,INCP)3
BI 4980Biology Seminar2
CH 1050Laboratory Safety1
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
CH 2340General Chemistry II4
CH 3370Organic Chemistry I4
CH 3380Organic Chemistry II4
Lower Level Organismal Electives
Complete two courses from the following:8
BI 2030
Invertebrate Zoology
BI 2040
Vertebrate Zoology
BI 2070
Botany
BI 2110
& BI 2130
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I
BI 2120
& BI 2140
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II
Upper Level Biology Electives
Complete 15-16 credits of 3000/4000 level Biology courses not including required courses (BI 3060, BI 3130, BI 3240, and BI 4970/4980). One must be a Writing in the Discipline Connection (WRCO).15-16
Physics
PH 2110College Physics I4
or PH 2510 University Physics I
Mathematics Foundations
MA 1800College Algebra (or equivalent Math Placement Score) 10-3
MA 2130Precalculus (QRCO)3-4
or MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO)
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 14-8
INCP4
Electives15-20
Total Credits120
1

Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Precalculus or Statistics is required.

2

Directions should total 16 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Biology.

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
BI 1110 Biological Science I (TECO) 4
BI 1120 Biological Science II 4
CH 1050 Laboratory Safety 1
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
Mathematics Foundations Course:
MA 1800 College Algebra 1 0-3
MA 2130
or MA 2300
 Precalculus (QRCO)
or Statistics I (QRCO)
 3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 3-4
Elective 4
 Credits27-32
Year Two
BI 2270 Integrative Biology (WECO) 4
CH 2335 General Chemistry I (QRCO) 4
CH 2340 General Chemistry II 4
Complete two Lower Level Elective Courses from the following: 8
BI 2030
 Invertebrate Zoology
BI 2040
 Vertebrate Zoology
BI 2070
 Botany
BI 2110
& BI 2130
 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I
BI 2120
& BI 2140
 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI,SSDI) 2 6-8
Electives 3-4
 Credits29-32
Year Three
BI 3060 Genetics 4
BI 3240 Conservation (DICO,GACO,INCO) 3
CH 3370 Organic Chemistry I 4
CH 3380 Organic Chemistry II 4
BI3000/4000 level Biology courses 3 3-4
Physics Requirement: 4
PH 2110
or PH 2510
 College Physics I
or University Physics I
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 3-4
Electives 5-6
 Credits30-33
Year Four
BI 3130 Evolution 4
BI 4980 Biology Seminar 2
BI 3000/4000 level Biology electives 3 4
BI 3000/4000 level Biology WRCO 4
BI 3000/4000 level Biology elective 3 4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 0-4
Electives 2-8
 Credits24-34
 Total Credits120
1

Math Placement Score can substitute such that only Precalculus or Statistics is required.

2

Required to take one each of CTDI, SSDI, and PPDI and then fulfill 16 credits total of Directions courses.  SIDI courses are waived and do not count toward Directions course total for Biology majors.

3

Excluding Genetics, Conservation, Evolution, and Biology Seminar which are required courses.

Our BS programs require more background in chemistry and physics in support of this outcome, while our BA program allows for greater breadth.
  • An understanding of the scientific method as the means to increase understanding of the natural world through hypothesis-testing.
  • An aptitude for critically reading scientific literature, including primary research journals.
  • Proficiency in writing, especially in scientific format.
  • An ability to present scientific information orally with emphasis on clear interpretation of scientific data.
  • Proficiency in techniques specific to a subdiscipline of biology, including but not limited to laboratory, field, and statistical techniques.
  • An understanding of the critical issues facing the environment at local, regional, national, and global scales.
  • Biological literacy allowing for the evaluation of new information and emerging issues.
  • Readiness for post-graduate experiences in graduate school, professional school, or biology employment
Biologists study living organisms and their relationships to the environment from molecules, to cells, to ecosystems. Most specialize in a particular discipline within biology, sometimes by pursuing a specialized degree like Environmental Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology. Some go on to attain further education in graduate school or a health professional school for medicine, public health, or pharmacy. There are as many job opportunities as areas of study.
For more information, visit Career Services in the Global Education Office.
 
Sample Job Titles include: Biochemist, Botanist, Ecologist, Fishery Biologist, High School Science Teacher, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Zoologist, Veterinarian, Medical doctor, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Research Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Medical scientist, Virologist
 
See the U.S. Department of Labor Outlook for a complete list.
 
Useful Skills for Jobs in the Biology Fields
  • Research skills such as data collection, laboratory techniques, and working in teams
  • Ability to problem-solve and think critically
  • Written and verbal communication skills to convey technical and scientific data to both scientific and non-scientific communities