Biology Major, BS

Degree requirements: BIO 1401  (Principles of Biology) and BIO 2410  Zoology are the prerequisites to all biology courses above the freshman level. Potential majors must have earned a C or better in both BIO 1401 and BIO 2410. They should submit the required formal application to the department during the second semester of their sophomore year. Students accepted into the major program must complete a minimum of 25 semester hours in biology and then they are to submit the required formal application to the Department. To satisfy the major requirement, a grade of C or better must be earned in each biology and chemistry course taken. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is required to earn an undergraduate degree in biology, biotechnology, and molecular biology. Non-biology requirements for the three major options are one year of the following: general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, and calculus (MAT 1313  and MAT 2317 ). There is a foreign language requirement that can be met by successfully completing the Spanish or French language courses at the intermediate level (SPA 2311  and SPA 2312  or FRE 2311  and FRE 2312  ) or Yoruba (FLS 3401  or FLS 3402 ). Majors must complete a minor program in a discipline that differs from biology.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in biology will prepare students for admission into graduate and professional programs. The Department of Life Sciences offers coursework in the biology degree program intended to prepare students for careers in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. The courses are designed to enhance performance on the MCAT, PCAT, DAT, and the GRE by the end of the junior year. The commonality of medicine, pharmacy, and biotechnology in this era of genomic research and gene therapies and the need for similar foundational courses such as biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology are strongly encouraged for all students within Life Science. The B. S. degree program in Biotechnology will prepare graduates for entry-level positions in discovery and development sciences, advanced biotechnology laboratory methodologies, and regulatory and managerial policies related to the approval process for new biotechnology products and devices. Our students will be sought after for positions in bio-manufacturing, environmental remediation, food sciences, and biopharmaceutical sectors of the biotechnology industry.

Outcomes

Students should be able to demonstrate:

1. Understanding of basic biological principles and the diversity of life.
2. Knowledge of specialized areas of biology.
3. Knowledge of technical skills needed to conduct biological research.
4. Ability to read scientific texts and literature with comprehension.
5. Critical thinking skills.
6. Basic computer literacy.