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 1110 | Biological Science I (TECO) | 4 |
BI 1120 | Biological Science II | 4 |
BI 2270 | Integrative Biology (WECO) | 4 |
GE 2050 | GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
BI 3060 | Genetics | 4 |
BI 3130 | Evolution | 4 |
BI 3240 | Conservation (DICO,GACO,INCO,INCP) | 3 |
BI 4050 | Ecology (QRCO,WRCO) | 4 |
BI 4800 | Current Environmental Issues | 3 |
BI 4970 | Biology Seminar | 1 |
BI | 3000/4000 level Biology electives (not BIDI) | 12 |
CH 1050 | Laboratory Safety | 1 |
CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) | 4 |
CH 2340 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CH 3370 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
CH 3600 | Environmental Chemistry (INCO,INCP) | 4 |
Organisms | ||
Complete two courses from the following: | 8 | |
Invertebrate Zoology | ||
Vertebrate Zoology | ||
Botany | ||
Physics | ||
PH 2410 | University Physics I | 3 |
or PH 2210 | Physics I | |
PH 2430 | Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
Mathematics Foundations | ||
MA 2130 | Precalculus (QRCO) | 4 |
or MA 2550 | Calculus I (QRCO) | |
General Education | ||
EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
Electives | 17 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
- 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).
Year One | Credits | |
---|---|---|
EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
MA 2130 or MA 2550 |
Precalculus (QRCO) or Calculus I (QRCO) |
4 |
BI 1110 | Biological Science I (TECO) | 4 |
BI 1120 | Biological Science II | 4 |
CH 1050 | Laboratory Safety | 1 |
CH 2335 | General Chemistry I (QRCO) 1 | 4 |
CH 2340 | General Chemistry II 1 | 4 |
Credits | 29 | |
Year Two | ||
BI 2270 | Integrative Biology (WECO) | 4 |
Complete two Organisms Courses from the following: | 8 | |
Invertebrate Zoology | ||
Vertebrate Zoology | ||
Botany | ||
CH 3370 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
GE 2050 | GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 2 | 4-8 | |
Elective | 3-4 | |
Credits | 30-36 | |
Year Three | ||
BI 3060 | Genetics | 4 |
BI 3130 | Evolution | 4 |
CH 3600 | Environmental Chemistry (INCO) | 4 |
Complete one Physics Course from the following: | 3 | |
PH 2510 or PH 2120 |
University Physics I or College Physics II |
4 |
BI | 3000/4000 level Biology electives (not BIDI) | 4 |
CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
Elective | 3-4 | |
Credits | 32-35 | |
Year Four | ||
BI 3240 | Conservation (DICO,GACO,INCO) | 3 |
BI 4050 | Ecology (QRCO,WRCO) | 4 |
BI 4800 | Current Environmental Issues | 3 |
BI | 3000/4000 level Biology electives (not BIDI) | 8 |
Electives | 10-11 | |
Credits | 28-29 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
- 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
- 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