Environmental Biology (BS)

The BS in Environmental Biology focuses on organismal, evolutionary, ecological, and field biology. This degree prepares students for careers in the environmental biology field, including environmental consulting, environmental education, and work for governmental agencies. 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
GE 2050GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO)4
BI 3060Genetics4
BI 3130Evolution4
BI 3240Conservation (DICO,GACO)3
BI 4050Ecology (QRCO,WRCO)4
BI 4800Current Environmental Issues3
BI 49701
BI3000/4000 level Biology electives (not BIDI)12
CH 1050Laboratory Safety1
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
CH 2340General Chemistry II4
CH 3370Organic Chemistry I4
CH 3600Environmental Chemistry (INCO)4
Organisms
Complete two courses from the following:8
BI 2030
Invertebrate Zoology
BI 2040
Vertebrate Zoology
BI 2070
Botany
Physics
PH 24103
or PH 2210
PH 24301
Mathematics Foundations
MA 2130Precalculus (QRCO)4
or MA 2550 Calculus 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
Electives17
Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Environmental 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: 0-4
MA 1800
 College Algebra
MA 2130
or MA 2300
 Precalculus (QRCO)
or Statistics I (QRCO)
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 3-4
Electives 4
 Credits24-29
Year Two
BI 2270 Integrative Biology (WECO) 4
CH 2335 General Chemistry I (QRCO) 4
CH 2340 General Chemistry II 4
Complete two Organisms Courses from the following: 8
BI 2030
 Invertebrate Zoology
BI 2040
 Vertebrate Zoology
BI 2070
 Botany
GE 2050 GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 3-4
Elective 3-4
 Credits30-32
Year Three
BI 3060 Genetics 4
BI 3130 Evolution 4
BI 3240 Conservation (DICO,GACO) 3
CH 3370 Organic Chemistry I 4
BI3000/4000 level Biology electives (not BIDI) 4
Physical Science Elective complete 4 credits from the following: 3
PH 2210
& PH 2430
& CH 3380
and
and Organic Chemistry II
PH 2410
& PH 2430
& CH 3380
and
and Organic Chemistry II
CH 3650
 Environmental Chemistry
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 6-8
Elective 4
 Credits32-34
Year Four
BI 3130 Evolution 4
BI 4050 Ecology (QRCO,WRCO) 4
BI 4800 Current Environmental Issues 3
BI 4980 Biology Seminar 2
BI3000/4000 level Biology electives (not BIDI) 4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 0-4
Electives 5-9
 Credits26-34
 Total Credits120
1

General Chemistry should only be taken in the first year if the student has suitable math skills.

2

Directions should total 17-16 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Environmental Biology.

  • 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