Biology Major, BS

Degree requirements: BIO 2301 (Principles of Biology) and BIO 2310 are the prerequisites to all biology courses above the freshman level. Potential majors must earn a C or better in both BIO 2301 and BIO 2310. Additionally, Biology majors must earn a C in BIO 2316, Botany. The degree programs in the Department of Life Sciences are unrestricted majors, and any student eligible for admission to the University is eligible to declare Biology as their potential major. However, all potential majors should submit the required formal application to the department during the second semester of their sophomore year for sanctioned program candidacy. Approval of students in the major program also require completion of a minimum of 14 semester hours in biology prior to submitting 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.  There is a foreign language requirement that can be met by successfully completing two foreign language courses at the elementary level or higher. Majors must complete a minor program in a discipline that differs from Biology.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Biology offered by the Department of Life Sciences will prepare students for admission into graduate and professional programs. The Department of Life Sciences coursework in the Biology degree program intends 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 discovery and therapies and their similar foundational courses in biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology are major reasons for encouraging all students within the Life Sciences to enroll in BIO 3346, BIO 3311, and BIO 3231 and their associated laboratory class.

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.